Life

The Peepul Centre opened in October 2005 amid much local, national and international publicity.

Situated just off Belgrave Road, the spectacular building features a restaurant, several gyms, a sports hall, a theatre, a child development centre, bars, and conference facilities.

Now 18 months on the centre is facing financial difficulties and criticisms from some individuals.

The Peepul's Debate

On Wednesday 01 August BBC Radio Leicester's Tony Wadsworth held a live debate on his show to discuss the future of the Peepul Centre.

The debate highlighted several challenges that the Peepul Centre must overcome in order to realise the founders' vision.

Chief Executive of the Peepul Centre Rita Patel admitted that mistakes had been made but she remained positive that current issues would be resolved in the near future.

Keith Beaumont, Chief Strategic Development Advisor, has been appointed the task of turning the organisation round.

He commented that he felt it essential to gain support from the City Council, and not simply in a financial capacity.

The Peepul Centre theatre

Leicester East MP Keith Vas agreed, but was keen to make clear that no one agency should be responsible for the success of the centre and that cost would have to be justified to the tax payer.

Local residents had the chance to ring into the debate and offer their opinions on the current situation of the community centre.

Caller Robert Lee had high praise for the centre commenting that its current struggles were not as terrible as some may think:

"It's a wonderful facility; the pride of Leicester in my opinion."

The Debate Background

Rita Patel is the Chief Executive Officer and one of the driving forces in the group of Asian women originally behind the centre, Belgrave Beheno.

She set out the central objectives of the establishment:

"Leicester has such an amazing energy about it and we believe in all of the communities around Leicester.

Keith Beaumont, Chief Strategic Development Advisor, indicated the importance of the centre:

"I think it's unique because I see a very divided society and the basic vision and philosophy of the centre that values you and me as human beings, whatever our background."

Concerns

However some locals feel that this positive vision is not entirely being fulfilled.

Although there was some positive feedback, quite a few people feel that their are certain barriers to them using the facilities.

Some felt that a lot of the events were too-high brow, too expensive, or only catered for communities living immediately around the building.

Rita indicated that these misconceptions of the Peepul Centre need to be seriously addressed so that a wider range of people can benefit from its offerings.

According to Keith these negative criticisms are not all that faces the centre; he feels that there is a tension between a community vision and making a profit.

An independent report has estimated that it will be financially viable in 2009, but for now the newly appointed Chief Operations Officer must work hard to keep the centre on its feet.