A refugee relief charity expressed its disappointment after a council-run building that served as its premises was closed due to safety issues.

The Nottingham-based charity Refugee Roots had operated in the Clarendon Chambers, which is run by Nottingham City Council, since May 2023.

But the building’s boiler broke in October, leaving business and charity tenants without hot water or heating. 

The council said repairs of up to £160,000 were needed, with the council already subsidising the building by more than £20,000 a year, a council spokesperson said. 

This meant the building was closed on 5 February. 

The charity said it would be operating with reduced capacity and support would be provided by appointment only, spokesperson said.

“The city council’s decision has been taken due to ‘the continued health and safety risk opening the building poses along with the escalating costs of repairs needed which are unviable in the current climate’,” the charity’s spokesperson said.

“We are disappointed to receive this news and intend to find premises within the city centre.

“We are confident we will find a suitable venue and we appreciate the support we have received from partners.”

Refugee Roots will still meet its service users when required and those in need of support should contact the charity by telephone or email for an initial call.

The Nottingham City Council spokesperson said the building’s situation was no longer sustainable or justifiable to taxpayers at a time when it needed to prioritise funding for statutory services.

“The low rents charged by the council in the past to local organisations using its buildings have unfortunately often not been at a sufficient level to cover the running costs,” the council spokesperson said.

“This has meant buildings have only been viable with significant subsidies provided by the council.”