Reopened Beeston Unity Centre to host new exercise classes for women and girls from January thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Beeston Unity Centre is a community run project, providing a safe-space for children to exercise through a range of sports activities and programmes. Their three core principles; physical fitness, discipline and respect, help foster important characteristics such as self-control and focus, all while embracing a healthy lifestyle through sport, in a positive and inclusive environment.

However, the space was jeopardised when the roof became damaged and dangerous. The £40,000 grant from Broxtowe Borough Council, matched by over £20,000 in donations and volunteer contributions has allowed the Centre to repair the roof, so they can continue providing a fantastic service for children in the local community.

In addition to the children’s sports programme, the Centre’s re-opening has enabled the introduction of female-led, female-only exercise classes. These sessions are intended to increase exercise participation among women, offering a space where they feel comfortable and are able to embrace an active healthy lifestyle with like-minded people. Women’s classes will offer a range of strength and conditioning, fitness and self-defence activities. Girls classes offer a mix of fun activities including dodgeball, netball, Kwik cricket and table tennis.

Exercising regularly is an integral part of leading a healthy lifestyle and can boost energy levels, mood, and enhance overall wellbeing. It’s also a great way to get out and socialise with old friends, or meet new people.

BUC Trustee and Honorary Freeman of Broxtowe Borough Ghulam Mayddin said, “We are grateful to Broxtowe Borough for their amazing support to help fund the repair of the roof. This will allow the centre to offer a range of activities for the local community. The provision will support access to activities for some of the most vulnerable members of the community at a significantly subsidised cost. We are particularly pleased to encourage underrepresented groups in our local community to participate in activities to improve their fitness, wellbeing and make new friends in a welcoming and safe environment.”

Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE said, “With many of us vowing to get fit in 2025 as part of our new year’s resolutions, I’m pleased to be able to support the introduction of free female-only sessions at Beeston Unity Centre. Exercise is so important to our health and wellbeing, so encouraging as much of our community as possible to exercise is key.”

The classes will take place weekly on Mondays beginning on Monday 13 January 2025. 6:30pm-7:30pm for girls and 7:30pm-8:30pm for women. Sessions will be free for those eligible or £2.50 per session. To find out more and book a place, contact: info@beestonunitycentre.co.uk or book online (opens in a new window)

To find out more about what Beeston Unity Centre offer, visit their website (opens in a new window).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is UK Government funded and Broxtowe Borough Council has been allocated a total of £2,584,477 over a three-year period 2022-25. Activity funded in 2024/25 includes local business, skills and community projects, including a set of community grant-funded projects.