It felt like the “end of an era” for some Oxford folk as diggers demolished a beloved community centre building.

The Blackbird Leys Community Centre has stood at the heart of one of Oxford’s most close-knit communities for more than 60 years.

Many residents can remember playing in the building in Blackbird Leys Road when they were young children.

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Oxford Mail: Diggers set about demolishing the Blackbird Leys Community Centre on MondayDiggers set about demolishing the Blackbird Leys Community Centre on Monday (Image: Heather Morrey-Carter)

Oxford Mail: Diggers set about demolishing the Blackbird Leys Community Centre on Monday

But they were forced to say farewell yesterday (Monday, January 29) as the building started to be knocked down.

“So many memories in the club growing up,” said Kerri Morse as pictures of the demolition were shared online.

Heather Morrey-Carter added that it was the “end of an era”.

Pictures from the Oxford Mail archive show children playing snooker and making crafts in the centre from as far back as 1965.

Oxford Mail: Blackbird Leys Community Centre in 1991Blackbird Leys Community Centre in 1991 (Image: Oxford Mail)

Oxford Mail: Fun and games at the centre in 1965Fun and games at the centre in 1965 (Image: Oxford Mail)

Oxford Mail: Snooker was one of many recreational activities on offer to youngsters at Blackbird Leys Community Centre in 1977Snooker was one of many recreational activities on offer to youngsters at Blackbird Leys Community Centre in 1977 (Image: Oxford Mail)

Oxford Mail: The Easter bonnet which won the parade at a children’s club at the centre in April 1966 worn by Kim Tucker, 8The Easter bonnet which won the parade at a children’s club at the centre in April 1966 worn by Kim Tucker, 8 (Image: Oxford Mail)

The centre is being knocked down as part of a major redevelopment of the Blackbird Leys area by Oxford City Council.

A £7 million facility will replace the community centre, although it has drawn objections over the impact on wildlife and other facilities.

Oxford Mail: More than 1,600 Polish residents voted at the centre in their native country’s general election in 2019More than 1,600 Polish residents voted at the centre in their native country’s general election in 2019 (Image: Oxford Mail)

Oxford Mail: The African School moved to the centre in 2017. Pictured is founder and tutor Natty Mark SamuelsThe African School moved to the centre in 2017. Pictured is founder and tutor Natty Mark Samuels (Image: Oxford Mail)

Earlier this month, the city council’s cabinet member for housing said the old centre was at “the end of its life.”

Labour councillor Linda Smith said: "It was very inefficient in terms of space and poorly designed by modern standards.

“The whole thing is being re-designed to incorporate new flats and shops."

A detailed planning application for the community centre is intended for submission in spring 2024 and will include a proper outline of its design.