THE STORY OF MELLISH

Like all good things, we started out small and independent back in 1993

A local Bulwellian named Richard 'Richo' McDonald (1970-2021) started operating his own gym with the help from his friends and colleagues out of a derelict shed at the back of a community centre (Now Riverside Medical Centre) in the centre of Bulwell.

From the very beginning, the gym was more like a friend's meeting place than a formal gym, and people - regardless of background - came after a long day's graft to train. At a time when there was plenty of division and mistrust in the local area, the gym had a strict 'every postcode welcome' policy, and all members were 'under manners' upon entry.

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

After years of ambiguity and struggle Richo and his team connected with Local Councillors and Nottingham City Council to commence the journey of CBF (Community Based Fitness) Gymnasium developing the portfolio of equipment, moving the venue to Brooklyn Road and subsequently moving into Mellish Sports Centre where it currently resides today.

It then became to professionalise via keeping track of memberships, payments and seeking more formidable funding and support from the council and wider partners.

The gym became renowned for keeping young people off the street away from negative influence, and transformed into a great community space for families to come and partake in various activities.

PASSING THE BATON

Eventually Rich ( the founder of CBF) stepped back from active leadership of CBF, and Tarq (pictured to the left) came in to guide the gym in a new direction. In 2014 the gym found it's new and current home in the Mellish Sports Centre, and the two merged into the one and the same, while offering much more than we could have ever dreamed of.

Over the years, our facility has been known by several names — including Mellish, The Mellish, and CBF Gymnasiums. While each version reflected a chapter in our history, today we are proud to be known as Mellish Sports Centre. Our mission is simple yet powerful: "Your Community Health and Fitness."

FRESH LEADERSHIP AND A FRESH VISION

Under the leadership of Jo Dexter (Centre Manager), Mellish Sports Centre's future is bright, bold and community-driven.

Jo oversees the redefining of our strategic vision to ensure our sustainable and long-term financial independence, commercial competitiveness, and constant development of our brand and offer to the wider community.

A STRONG BRAND IDENTITY

The Mellish Sports Centre Board of Directors worked tirelessly throughout 2021 to redesign and rebrand the centre. Our aim is to create a fresh new image for our members while retaining that fierce independence and charm that has kept us a successful area apart of the Local and Wider Community since 1993.

THE FUTURE: MELLISH 2026

Mellish 2026 is a strategy to take Mellish into the future. With 5 pillars and oversight from board members, Mellish 2026 gives us an outcomes-focussed path to make Mellish the best community centre in Nottingham.

The story of Mellish Sports Centre so far describes a journey which has been shaped by growth, resilience, and community spirit. As we look ahead, our goal is to continue expanding and evolving, always with one clear priority : putting our community at the forefront and heart of everything we do. That is the foundations which Community-Based Fitness has been built on.

If you value where we’ve come from, what we stand for, and where we’re heading, we warmly invite you to visit us to speak with our friendly staff, explore our current programmes and activities we offer, and consider becoming a member.

Now more than ever, supporting local, independent community centres makes a real difference.

OUR COMMUNITY

WE ARE MELLISH SPORTS CENTRE

We are a community hub and fitness centre based in Bulwell, Nottingham — dedicated to supporting your health, wellbeing, and connection to the community.

At Mellish Sports Centre, fitness isn’t just about lifting weights. Whatever your goals — whether it's improving health, building strength, staying active, or finding a supportive space to move — you can achieve them here. We offer a wide range of clubs and weekly activities designed to suit all ages and abilities.

We’re proud of our inclusive, friendly atmosphere and welcome everyone, no matter where you’re starting from.