The charity was able to purchase the building after 40 years as tenants

NWC board members, Louisa Matthews, Lord Mayor Cllr Cheryl Barnard, Melita Bryan, Donna Ockenden and Angela Kandola (Image: Simone Feely )

A huge renovation is planned by the Nottingham Women’s Centre (NWC) after the charity bought its home of 40 years.

30 Chaucer Street has been home to NWC’s services since the 1990s and has provided a safe space for thousands of Nottinghamshire women.

The purchase was prompted by a rent increase by former owners, Nottingham City Council, something which the charity said it would not have been able to afford.

Instead the charity was able to buy the property, through a combination of a mortgage and help from supporters.

Louisa Matthews, the centre’s chief executive, said: “It has been increasingly insecure as our home for a number of years.

“They [the women who use the centre] felt that this was their home, that this was a safe place, that this was a place that will always be there for them, but now they know it will be.

“It belongs to all of us, all of the women of Nottingham.”

The centre held a celebration after purchasing the building, which was attended by Donna Ockenden, who led the review into Nottingham’s maternity services, and the Lord Mayor, Cheryl Barnard.

“The engagement that we had this week at the event was absolutely wonderful.

“It’s very exciting for us,” says Ms Matthews.

NWC’s home at 30 Chaucer Street, Nottingham (cc: Simone Feely)(Image: Simone Feely)

The purchase of the building is just the beginning – the centre has big renovation plans for space.

The condition of the listed building is deteriorating, and part of the renovation plans is to improve this.

Ms Matthews said: “The fundraising bit starts now, the fundraising bit is all about the renovation.

“The goal of the renovation is bold.

“This is not going to be a corporate renovation.

“This is going to keep the spirit and the value of the women’s centre.

“But it will enhance that and it will feel even more special, even more welcoming, even more of a positive space.”

The centre employs 40 permanent staff, has 60 volunteers and 30 placement counsellors who provide services for thousands of women.

Nottingham Women’s Centre has been operating since 1971 and is one of the oldest in the country.

The centre supports all self-identifying women who need mental health support, are seeking asylum, facing poverty or abuse and those pursuing a change in their life.

Other key women’s services are also based in the building, including: Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services, Juno, Women’s Aid, and Nottingham Muslim Women’s Network.

It also opens as a friendly community space for women five days a week.