About King George V
Community Centre
Building a vibrant, inclusive hub at the heart of Derby’s historic King George V playing fields.
Welcome to Your Community Centre
King George V Community Centre is more than just a building—it's the heart of our community. Located in Littleover, we provide a welcoming and inclusive space where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can come together, participate in activities, and build lasting connections.
Thanks to a £332,000 investment, we've transformed our pavilion into a modern, accessible community hub that serves as a vital resource for the local area.
A New Chapter for King George V Community Centre
Thank you for taking the time to visit our page and learn more about the future of King George V Community Centre. As chair, this is my first message to you, and I want it to feel like an open and warm welcome. This place belongs to all of us, and its future will be shaped by the people who care about it.
For many years, the pavilion stood as a much-loved local landmark, but one that had slowly fallen into disrepair. It had reached a point where closure felt almost inevitable. Despite its long history—dating back to 1935—it was at real risk of being lost.
When NTC Derby took on the responsibility to manage and revive the centre, we knew we were stepping into a challenge. But we also knew that this building, and the community it supports, deserved a chance at a new beginning.
Thanks to your support and belief in what this place can become, we have secured £332,000 in capital funding. This investment has allowed us to carry out a full refurbishment so the building can be transformed into a modern, welcoming, and inclusive hub for everyone.
But a community centre is more than its facilities. It becomes meaningful when the community helps shape it.
That's why I'm inviting you to get involved—whether through partnership, volunteering, joining our residents' committee, or bringing forward ideas for activities and initiatives. Your ideas are welcome, and we're here to support them.
King George V is more than a building—it is a place of belonging, history, and opportunity. Together, we can make it a centre that brings people together, supports wellbeing, celebrates diversity, and strengthens the fabric of our community for generations to come.
This is your community centre. Let's shape its future together.
Our History
The playing fields in Littleover trace their origins to the national movement that followed the death of King George V in 1936. As part of commemorating his life and Jubilee era, the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA) — supported by the King George's Fields Foundation — proposed that the most meaningful tribute would be living memorials rather than statues.
A Living Memorial
The Foundation's first Patron had been King George V himself, and its President at the time of this initiative was King George VI (then HRH The Duke of York). Under their influence and guidance, a nationwide programme of protected recreational spaces was established, each dedicated as a "King George's Field" and intended to serve communities for generations.
Two such memorial spaces were created in Littleover: King George V Playing Fields and Clemson's Park. Both were dedicated under this national scheme and marked with distinctive plaques that identified them as part of the memorial network.
King George V Playing Fields
From the late 1930s the fields became a central part of local life. Marked pitches, open grassland and simple facilities supported football, cricket, athletics and school events. As Littleover expanded throughout the mid-20th century, the fields played an increasingly important role, becoming the main hub for organised sport and casual outdoor recreation.
Generations of residents have used the space for club matches, children's play, community gatherings and everyday leisure.
Clemson's Park
Clemson's Park developed alongside the fields, offering a quieter setting with pathways, play areas and open lawns. Smaller in scale but equally valued, it provided everyday green space for families and walkers.
Together, the two parks formed a pair of memorial landscapes serving different needs: one centred on structured sport, the other on relaxation and informal activity.
Modern Era
Throughout the late 20th century and into the 2000s, both parks saw investment in updated play areas, improved sports facilities, outdoor gym equipment and community features. The fields remained a key sporting venue, while Clemson's Park continued to provide everyday green space for local families.
Over time, however, the pavilion at King George V Playing Fields fell into disrepair, limiting its use and reducing the potential of the site for clubs and community groups.
New Chapter with NTC Derby
A significant turning point came when NTC Derby, chaired by Samer Jamous, put forward plans to restore the pavilion and renew the site. After a successful bid, the organisation secured a lease from Derby City Council to take on responsibility for the building.
This was followed by a major achievement: NTC Derby secured £332,000 of funding from the Community Ownership Fun, Derby City Council, Sport England, and the National Lottery. This support enabled a full renovation of the pavilion, protecting the building and transforming it into a modern community hub for sport, activity and local engagement.
Today
The King George V Community Centre now stands as a revitalised part of the original 1930s memorial vision. Nearly ninety years after the land was first dedicated for public recreation, NTC Derby has taken on its stewardship, ensuring that the site continues to thrive through renewed investment and community involvement.
While modernised, its purpose remains unchanged: an open, welcoming space that belongs to everyone.
About NTC Derby
The National Taekwondo Club (NTC) is the UK's longest-serving and top-performing Taekwondo club, recently winning First Place in the Advanced Category – Best Performing Clubs in the UK for the fifth consecutive year.
NTC Derby is the only Olympic Taekwondo club in Derby recognised by British Taekwondo. Since 2018, NTC Derby has grown beyond martial arts to embrace a broader mission of community development, inclusive engagement, and social empowerment.
We are deeply committed to community development, inclusive engagement, social cohesion, and personal empowerment through sport and education.
Visit NTC Derby Website →
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Our Vision
Sustainable centre and resilient community that celebrates diversity, promotes social connection, and enriches the lives of all its people.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, enjoyable and inclusive space for individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to come together, build relationships, and participate in programs and activities that promote personal growth, community engagement, and social responsibility.
Our Values
Inclusiveness, Empowerment, Collaboration, Sustainability, Quality, Integrity, and Community.
Our Strategy Map
A comprehensive framework showing how we plan to achieve our vision and fulfill our mission for the community.
Our strategy is built on core values of Inclusiveness, Empowerment, Collaboration, Sustainability, Quality, Integrity, and Community.
What We Stand For
Our values guide everything we do at King George V Community Centre.
Inclusiveness
We believe in creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, or socio-economic status.
Empowerment
We are committed to empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential through access to resources and opportunities.
Collaboration
We value partnerships with community organisations, government agencies, and businesses to achieve common goals.
Sustainability
We operate responsibly and sustainably, minimizing our environmental impact and preserving resources for future generations.
Quality
We provide high-quality programs, services, and facilities that meet the needs of the community and are accessible to all.
Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our work.
Community
We believe in fostering relationships, creating connections, and building a stronger, more resilient community.
Our Community Priorities
Our programs and services are designed to meet the specific needs of the Blagreaves, Littleover, Mickleover, and Normanton wards.
Youth & Elderly Engagement
Programs tailored for all age groups, including leisure activities for the elderly and after-school programs for youth.
Health & Wellbeing Services
Mental health support, physical activities, and health education programs for the community.
Educational & Employment Support
Job training programs, CV workshops, job fairs, and entrepreneurship programs.
Social Inclusion & Diversity
Cultural festivals, language classes, and faith-based activities to promote belonging.
Green Spaces
Outdoor fitness classes, community gardening, nature walks, and environmental education.
Sustainability Initiatives
Leading by example with environmental practices and educating the community.
Visit Us
Carlisle Ave, Littleover
Derby DE23 3ES
Be Part of Our Community
Whether you're looking to hire a space, volunteer, or join one of our programs, there's a place for you at KGV.