Studlands Park Community Centre begins an exciting new chapter with Newmarket Nexus

04 Sep 2026

Newmarket Nexus is delighted to announce that it will be taking on the management of Studlands Park Community Centre, opening an important new chapter for this much-loved local hub.

The centre has been a vital part of the local area for many years, and Newmarket Nexus is fully committed to building on that rich legacy while creating valuable new opportunities for residents of all ages.

Before looking ahead, Newmarket Nexus wishes to recognise and sincerely thank Little Buds Nursery, who have run and cared for the centre for the past few decades. Their commitment, hard work, and dedication have established Studlands Park Community Centre as an essential space for local people to meet, connect, and thrive. Newmarket Nexus is very grateful for the strong foundations they have built and the lasting contribution they have made to the community.

"We are incredibly excited to take on the management of Studlands Park Community Centre and to build on the fantastic work that has taken place there over many years," said Makayla Beckett, Director of Nexus. "We want to listen to the community, work alongside local organisations, and create a space where people of all ages feel welcome and have opportunities to thrive."

Newmarket Nexus has clear plans to ensure the centre becomes a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive community hub. The space will home a growing range of projects, activities, and initiatives designed to benefit the wider public, with a particular focus on creating positive pathways, developing skills, and offering safe social spaces for young people.

This transition represents more than a change in management; it is an opportunity to work together to build a brighter future for Studlands. Newmarket Nexus looks forward to collaborating closely with local residents, volunteers, and organisations to ensure the centre remains a thriving hub at the heart of the community.

Newmarket Nexus would also like to extend its sincere thanks to West Suffolk Council, particularly Councillors Janne Jarvis, Michael Anderson and Kevin Yarrow, for their vital support and encouragement. Further special thanks go to Donna Higgins for her belief in our organisation and her steadfast commitment to supporting local youth.

Cllr Donna Higgins, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council which is leasing the building to Newmarket Nexus said: “I am strong and passionate believer in supporting and engaging young people and the benefits that can bring to our communities. But Newmarket Nexus is about much more and is looking to develop lots of fantastic ideas with the community to benefit residents of all ages. That is why I am thrilled that they are taking on the Studlands Park Community Centre and look forward to seeing this progress for the benefit of local residents.”

Cllr Cliff Waterman, Leader of West Suffolk Council said: “We are delighted to be working with Newmarket Nexus and look forward to this exciting new chapter bringing even more opportunities to the people of all ages to get out, get involved, get together and enjoy activities in their community centre.”

Cllr Janne Jarvis, one of the ward members on West Suffolk Council, said: “The importance of Nexus to Studlands and their commitment to our community simply cannot be overstated. I am genuinely in awe of the extraordinary range of opportunities and support they provide for young people and families - from music, gaming and creative activities to education, mentoring, wellbeing and being there for young people when they need it most.

“What makes Nexus so special is that they are part of this community. They know the young people, they know the families and they understand Studlands and what is needed here.

“I am immensely proud to support Nexus and absolutely delighted that they have been given this opportunity. Studlands deserves investment, ambition, and a community centre full of life, and I cannot think of a better organisation to take that forward.

“I also want to thank West Suffolk Council for recognising the enormous potential of Nexus and for putting its confidence in a community organisation with such deep roots in Studlands. This is a really positive example of what can happen when the council works with communities and gives local organisations the opportunity to flourish.

“I cannot wait to see what Nexus does in this new chapter, and I will continue to support them on their journey.”
 

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