Netherfield is an area that has been in social and economic decline since the closure of Europe's largest marshaling yard in 1967. The yard was the major local employer and economic generator, providing jobs for over 70% of local workforce.

By the 90's, close to a quarter of the population were unemployed. The area historically has been characterised by:

• physical dereliction,

• poor health (double the rate of typical emergency admissions in the health authority area) 

• poor basic skills in numeracy and literacy

• a high level of deprivation  

• a lack of quality open green space.

In 1996 a group of local residents acted to galvanise support for a sustained regeneration initiative to bring life back to the town.  The Netherfield Forum was formed. In January 1998 the Forum held a conference to agree a collective vision for the regeneration of Netherfield and to secure the commitment from local people, statutory bodies and local groups to deliver it. 

We were very proud and excited when the Rt. Hon. Alan Milburn M.P. came to open our Centre.

In 2014 the Netherfield Forum were recognised for their achievements and we were delighted to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services (MBE).

Netherfield Forum owns and manages:

St Georges Centre: This is a self funded information hub at the heart of the community, where we hold many events, meetings, seminars, training sessions and other activities.

Loco Centre: This is a converted Methodist church which provide youth provision and services, activities and training courses and opportunities to Netherfield and the wider community.