The building, which is on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register, closed on Thursday April 2 leaving the community heartbroken
Inside Jayne’s charity shop, remnants of the old cafe kitchen still visible(Image: Kirsty Bosley)
Historic England has offered to ‘explore options’ with local authorities and locals after the closure of a much-loved community centre.
The Friends Institute on Moseley Road in Sparkbrook closed on Thursday to the dismay of those who work in and use the historic building.
A charity shop and community groups are among those who had been helping the community from a base within the heritage space before it shut.
Read more: Anguish as Cadbury community centre shuts in Birmingham – what locals want you to know
The Friends Institute was built in 1897 by Richard Cadbury as a Quaker meeting house and it later was given to birmingham-city-council>Birmingham City Council in trust, with the understanding it be cared for and used as a space for leisure, recreation and community support.
BirminghamLive visited on the final week and a selection of from our bumper gallery of photos was sent to Historic England along with a request for comment.
The building is one of a number on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register with concerns for its future.
Historic England said it was ‘upsetting’ to hear the building had closed.
READ MORE: Huge gallery shows sorry state of Birmingham building gifted by Cadbury ahead of its closure
A spokesperson told BirminghamLive: “We are aware of the condition of the Moseley Road Friends Institute, a Grade II listed building which is on our Heritage at Risk Register.
“Buildings like this one tell the story of Birmingham and of the local communities who use them and love them.
“It is always upsetting to see a much-cherished building close.
“We are aware of the challenges faced by local authorities with large numbers of historic buildings in their ownership and are always ready to provide advice on how these issues might be addressed.”
It added: “The best way to protect a building is to keep it in active use and are happy to explore options with local authorities and communities.”
Birmingham City Council said that it had agreed to ‘dispose’ of the trust holding back in January 2026 and that there were ‘urgent health and safety concerns’ at the Friends Institute.
A spokesperson told BirminghamLive: “In March 2024, as part of the council’s budget-setting process, it was determined that the council could no longer fund community centres as a non-statutory service, including subsiding operating costs at the Friends Institute.
“The building is held in trust by the council and therefore it is for the trustees to determine its future, with approval from the Charities Commission.
“In January 2026, the Council’s Trust and Charities Committee agreed disposal of a number of trust holdings including the Friends Institute.
“We recognise the building’s deterioration and after being made aware of urgent health and safety concerns, a decision was made to close the building to ensure people’s safety.
“This decision was taken in February, with groups and businesses given notice to leave the building.
“In the meantime, we are seeking professional advice on the best way to secure the building.
“We are continuing to support those affected by the closure.
“The trustees are committed to working with partners to ensure long-term sustainable use of the building and welcome all interested parties so that this important space can continue to serve Birmingham’s communities.”