Bordesley Green, Birmingham — 5th September
A powerful new chapter has begun in Bordesley Green with the official launch of Community Plaza, a centre designed to tackle inequality, reduce crime, and bring people together.
The launch night drew a crowd of more than 250 local residents, families, and community leaders. The atmosphere was filled with energy and optimism as people gathered to show their support. Among the guests were the Crime Commissioner Simon Foster who also presented Mohammed Zafran 50th Golden Achievement Award on behalf of Asian World Newspaper, Alan Edwards regional manager for West Midlands Crimestoppers, who joined the community in celebrating the centre’s ambitious vision.
MP Ayoub Khan and guest speaker Wajid Burkey from Burkey Estates.
Image Left to Right: Alan Edwards (West Midlands Crimestoppers Regional Manager) Mohammed Zafran (Chairman of Crimestoppers WM &Director of Community Plaza) Sajad Khaliq (CEO of Asian World Media Group & Director of Community Plaza)
“A Lifeline for Bordesley Green”
Founder Sajad Khaliq explained why the centre matters so deeply to him and to the people it will serve:
“I’ve walked these streets and seen the pain of families who have lost loved ones to knife crime. I’ve spoken to young people who felt they had no future. That’s why Community Plaza exists. This is not just a building — this is a lifeline for Bordesley Green. We are here to give young people purpose, to empower women, and to bring people together as one community. Our ambition is not short-term — this is about changing the future of our area for generations to come.”
Celebrating Local Heroes
The evening also recognised individuals already making a difference. Working with Asian World Newspaper, the UK’s largest award-winning South Asian publication, Community Plaza presented Community Hero Awards. The awards, handed out by the Police Commissioner and the Head of Crimestoppers, highlighted the dedication of those who have gone above and beyond to improve lives in the area.
Mohammed Zafran awarded 50th Golden Achievement Award
Thomas McGeever received Diversity Champion Award
Julian Nistor awarded Community Hero of the year
Leadership with Lived Experience
The team leading Community Plaza brings not only experience but also a deep personal connection to the challenges facing the community.
Mohammed Zafran, Founder and director, has dedicated 15 years to supporting disadvantaged young people, helping more than 44,000 into education and training. He has received over 50 awards for his work and also serves as Chairman for Crimestoppers.
Speaking with emotion on the night, Mr Zafran said:
“I’ve held young people in my arms who were broken, lost, and ready to give up. I’ve seen families shattered by gangs and crime. For 15 years, I’ve worked day and night to give youngsters hope, to show them they have a future. Community Plaza gives us the chance to do this on a bigger scale than ever before. This centre is about saving lives, creating leaders, and making sure no young person feels forgotten. Together, we will change this community.”
Thomas McGeever BCAc, also a director of the Plaza, said: “The turnout tonight proves how much this centre means to people. Community Plaza is the heartbeat of Bordesley Green, and together we’ll turn that heartbeat into action.
This is a place for everyone. No matter your age, background, or circumstance — you belong at Community Plaza.”
What the Centre Offers
Community Plaza has been set up to respond to the real needs of local people. Its programmes will provide safe spaces, opportunities, and vital support, including:
• Youth engagement projects
• Knife crime awareness workshops
• Women’s coffee mornings and support events
• Social equality and empowerment programmes
• Health and wellbeing support for families
• Skills workshops and training opportunities
• Recreational activities such as pool, snooker, table tennis, darts, and gaming
• A hot food kitchen to bring people together
Closing the event, Sajad Khaliq looked to the future:
“We are not here for a quick fix. We are here to transform lives. We are here to fight crime with opportunity, to replace despair with hope, and to ensure every person in Bordesley Green knows they are valued. With Community Plaza, we are building a safer, stronger, and prouder community. This is just the beginning.”
The centre expressed its gratitude to everyone who attended the launch and to those who continue to support its mission. With the doors now open, Community Plaza hopes to play a lasting role in shaping a brighter future for Bordesley Green.