It was the beating heart of one of Oxford’s most deprived communities for more than 60 years.

But diggers have now reduced the Blackbird Leys Community Centre to a pile of bricks and rubble.

The demolition comes as Blackbird Leys undergoes a major redevelopment by Oxford City Council and developers Peabody.

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Oxford Mail: Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing on the city council, outside the demolished Blackbird Leys Community CentreLinda Smith, cabinet member for housing on the city council, outside the demolished Blackbird Leys Community Centre (Image: Oxford City Council)

Oxford Mail: One of the tower blocks in the proposed redevelopment of Blackbird LeysOne of the tower blocks in the proposed redevelopment of Blackbird Leys (Image: Oxford City Council)

The construction of 294 new homes, retail space and a brand new community centre started this week.

Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing on the city council, said there is a “vision for a new district centre”.

Oxford Mail: Blackbird Leys Community Centre in 1991Blackbird Leys Community Centre in 1991 (Image: Oxford Mail)

But while she looks to the future, Leys residents have been recalling the community centre’s cherished past.

The building went up at the same time as the Blackbird Leys Estate in the 1950s and 1960s.

Oxford Mail: Snooker was one of many recreational activities on offer to youngsters at Blackbird Leys CommunitySnooker was one of many recreational activities on offer to youngsters at Blackbird Leys Community (Image: Oxford Mail)

It helped to bind the new community by hosting wedding receptions, snooker clubs, and pensioner parties.

One former resident, Frances Knight, said: “We had our wedding reception there 58 years ago.

“What a shame it’s being demolished as it used to be the hub for the Blackbird Leys community.”

Oxford Mail: Fun and games at the centre in 1965Fun and games at the centre in 1965 (Image: Oxford Mail)

At its height, a social club run in the building had 1,500 members and a waiting list of many more.

Pictures from the Oxford Mail archive show children taking part in fun and games as far back as 1965.

Claude Blackstock, who grew up in Blackbird Leys, said he had “brilliant memories” of the community centre.

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“Let’s hope the new building will create fun and memories for the current generation in Blackbird Leys,” he said.

Barbie Mortimer added: “Lots of happy memories in there in the 70s. It’s so sad to see it being demolished.”


Oxford Mail: 150 Leys residents were invited to a Christmas knees-up in 2016150 Leys residents were invited to a Christmas knees-up in 2016 (Image: Oxford Mail)

Many residents have raised concerns that the community will suffer from the loss of the beloved building.

Detailed plans have not been submitted for its replacement, but there are fears it will be a smaller design.

Oxford Mail: Blackbird Leys is among the most deprived areas in EnglandBlackbird Leys is among the most deprived areas in England (Image: Ed Nix)

Oxford Mail: Blackbird Leys and other areas of South East Oxford are among the most deprived areas in England

Local Steven Turner said: “Demolish a community centre because of costs and replace it with shops and flats which are income generators.

“Yes, I can see where the inefficiencies are and what the council get out of it.

“But where will the community meet now?”

The council approved the redevelopment in August after more than four years of engagement with the community.

That included more than 1,500 pieces of feedback from residents and stakeholders in Blackbird Leys.

Ms Smith said the previous community centre building was “at the end of its life” and “very inefficient”.

The Labour councillor said the new centre, along with the overall redevelopment, would be “a big boost for residents of Blackbird Leys.”

"The start of construction work on site is a major milestone in the long history of this project," she said.