Marlborough Centre reopens as boxing club in Glodwick

The Marlborough Centre on Marlborough Street in Glodwick has reopened its doors after a major refurbishment, marking a new chapter for this much-loved local building. The former Pakistani Community Centre, which had to close due to serious health and safety issues, is now home to NxtGen Boxing, a local organisation dedicated to helping young people through sport.

Oldham Council stepped in to fund the refurbishment after recognising the building's importance to the community. Without this investment, the centre would have stood empty and fallen into disrepair. The council ran a competitive process to find a new operator, with NxtGen Boxing emerging as the successful bidder.

Founded by Asam Fiaz and Ryan Lawson, NxtGen Boxing had outgrown its previous home at the Honeywell Centre due to growing membership. The new facility will operate as both a boxing club and community hub, alongside existing community groups and a nursery that continue to use the building.

Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official reopening. She praised the project as 'exactly what community regeneration looks like,' highlighting how the council's investment has given local people the power to shape their neighbourhood spaces. Asam Fiaz described the new centre as 'about more than boxing,' emphasising its role in giving young people a space to grow and learn.

The reopening reflects Oldham Council's commitment to keeping community facilities active and inclusive. For residents of Glodwick and beyond, the refurbished Marlborough Centre now offers expanded opportunities for youth development through boxing, with NxtGen Boxing hoping to reach even more young people across Oldham.