Statement issued on the future of the Ledward Centre

Billie Lewis and Ellie Matthews have issued an update on Brighton’s LGBTQ+ cafe and community hub, the Ledward Centre on Jubilee Street, which has been closed for a year.

Named in honour of Gscene editor James Ledward, who we lost in 2019, the centre opened to honour his lifelong contributions to the community.

Writing on social media, Billie and Ellie said: "The Ledward Centre has been closed for a year now and we're acutely aware of the conversation this has sparked. Let us address this head on: the Brighton Rainbow Fund and the Ledward Centre CIC, which previously operated the Ledward Centre, are no longer involved.

"We have taken on this challenge as a new community organisation driven by our love for James Ledward, honouring his memory and preserving his legacy and vision of a city centre LGBTQIA+ community space, with the aim of opening our doors and ensuring the centre remains the vital community resource that this city, and our diverse communities need.

"The adaptions are progressing well, and we have received support in kind from a range of tremendous partners, including Morgan Sindall, their supply chain, and Brighton & Hove City Council, who have backed the project with words of encouragement, goodwill, and valuable time, helping us to reach this point. We are extremely grateful for their support.We have also received support from the incredible team at Community Works, who have provided guidance, help and advice in setting up a new not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC).

"Our aim is to reopen the centre and for it to be fully operational as soon as possible.The only remaining barrier is securing our lease from the building's landlord. Despite eight months of discussions and assurances, we are still awaiting the formal documentation needed to complete the transfer and reopen the doors.

"Nevertheless, we are determined to reopen, and we are working at pace to make this happen. In the meantime, follow us on social media and keep an eye on our new website. We would like to send our deepest gratitude to the many volunteers, community groups, charities, community leaders, agencies and individuals who have kept in close contact supporting us throughout this journey. Your support, patience, advice and warmth has been invaluable to us."