Charles Dickens Centre - Portsmouth

Charles Dickens Centre: A Community Hub in Portsmouth

The Charles Dickens Centre, located at 199, Charles Dickens Centre, 120 Lake Rd, Portsmouth PO1 4HH, United Kingdom, is a vibrant and multifaceted community center offering a range of services and activities. Contacting the center is easy via phone at 2392738482. While a dedicated website isn't currently available, the information provided here offers a comprehensive overview of this valuable asset to the Portsmouth community.

Specialties and Services

The Charles Dickens Centre operates as both a community center and an art school, presenting a unique blend of recreational and creative opportunities. Its primary function as a community center supports a diverse range of activities, frequently hosting events and providing space for local groups and organizations to meet. Notably, the center is known for its affordable sporting facilities, particularly badminton courts, making it an accessible option for residents seeking physical activity. The facility’s robust sporting program includes options such as football and table tennis, catering to a broad spectrum of interests. Furthermore, the center plays a role in distributing Covid kits, demonstrating its responsiveness to community needs and concerns.

Location and Accessibility

The center’s strategic location on Lake Road in Portsmouth provides excellent accessibility. It’s well-placed within the city, contributing to its popularity among local residents. Crucially, the Charles Dickens Centre is committed to inclusivity, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can fully participate in its offerings. While on-site parking may be limited, the availability of accessible parking mitigates this concern.

Community Feedback and Reputation

Based on publicly available reviews, the Charles Dickens Centre enjoys a generally positive reputation. Google My Business hosts 133 reviews, reflecting significant community engagement. The average opinion rating stands at 4.3/5, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users. The reviews consistently highlight the friendliness of the staff, describing them as “nice and chatty,” and emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere. Many visitors appreciate the cleanliness of the center and its suitability as a comfortable and well-maintained space. Several comments specifically mention the ‘great’ sports hall and the thriving Table Tennis club, underscoring the center’s popularity as a venue for sporting activities. The ease of collecting Covid kits was also positively noted, showcasing the center’s responsiveness to public health needs.

Key Features and Amenities

• Sports Hall: A spacious and well-equipped hall suitable for various sports, including badminton, football, and table tennis.
• Badminton Courts: Affordable badminton facilities frequently utilized by the community.
• Community Space: Flexible space available for hire by local groups and organizations.
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance and parking lot.

Recommended Information for Visitors

Individuals seeking to utilize the Charles Dickens Centre should be aware of the following:

• Booking: It’s advisable to contact the center in advance to inquire about availability for specific activities or room bookings.
• Parking: While accessible parking is available, on-site parking may be limited.
• Activities: A diverse range of activities is offered, catering to various interests and age groups.
• Community Events: Regular community events are held at the center; checking the local listings for updates is recommended.

The Charles Dickens Centre represents a valuable resource for the residents of Portsmouth, offering a combination of recreational opportunities, community engagement, and accessible facilities. Its commitment to inclusivity, coupled with its positive community feedback, solidifies its position as a vital part of the local landscape. The center’s focus on affordable sports and community events makes it a particularly attractive option for families and individuals seeking accessible and engaging activities.

👍 Reviews of Charles Dickens Centre

Claire

5/5

Council run sports centre where you can hire badminton courts etc cheaply. No pool. Limited on site parking.

jack4919

4/5

Had to collect a Covid kit was easy and the receptionist were both nice and chatty

Dave P.

5/5

Well located and clean centre. First time have been there and was very impressed.

John J.

3/5

Only been once. Didn't get to see a lot, but as it is for locals, I am sure they will like it

Kaylee G.

4/5

Great for indoor sports e.g. badminton football etc definitely worth going there

Peter G.

4/5

Nice sports hall, with a good Table Tennis club.

Yosra A.

5/5

Love it nice staff very friendly good activities

xb1.2d

5/5

Very bad school suits me because I fight bullies. Now I know why a police station is cross the road.