Out of the ashes of the derelict Muhammad Ali Centre in Hockley, rises a new multi-million-pound suite of multifunctional buildings for education and training, arts and culture, housing for young people, youth services, enterprise units and a community Hub. The youth and community centre situated on the site opened in August 1983 by Muhammad Ali the former heavyweight boxing champion was originally built to provide an activity hub for local young people.
Following a fire in 2002, the building was forced to close and fell into disrepair. Kajans Women’s Enterprise, a local charity based in Aston, Birmingham acquired the site in 2014. In 2018 Kajans, presented an exceptional vision with detailed plans to re-establish Muhammad Ali’s dream of creating equity and the upliftment of communities. The proposals, approved by Birmingham City Council, focus on working with young people who live in challenging situations.
Mr. Lauriston Richards, Kajans Board Member said: “It seems to our board, if the transformation of the social circumstances of young people is to occur, they must be at the centre of any solution as co-designers.”
Kajans’ intention is to create a go-to destination that captures a strong aspirational identity for the Muhammad Ali site. The need to create an open space and facilities that reflect and celebrate the heritage of local communities is paramount, due to the reduction of youth and community provisions in neighbouring areas.
The new premises will be a series of flexible, multifunctional spaces with an open cultural and recreational forum, at its centre. This development will be environmentally responsible, incorporating renewable energy sources, whilst also regenerating the area by bringing jobs and improving economic activity.
Tom McNeil, Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands said: “The development taps into the city’s aspirations by empowering people through entrepreneurism and education, while recognising the necessity for high quality and affordable housing.”
Executive Director, Hermin McIntosh, added: “Kajans has presented a vision for an ambitious multifaceted intergenerational capital development designed to meet the needs of young people over several decades.”
So far Kajans has received financial support from Nationwide, DCMS, Locality, Homes England and Birmingham City Council. The demolition process is not quite the phoenix rising from the ashes but the very first step of renewal. There is a long way to go and millions to raise. It is hoped that donors and communities through Crowd Funding, a Share Offer will make contributions from far and wide to complement the public investment, to realise the vision.
