• Our History

  • The Zest Centre was originally built as Upperthorpe Branch Library in 1874, with a public swimming baths added in 1895.

  • "...it would not be simply a building for the present generation, but for future generations, the building, in fact, would be all they could wish..."
  • Alderman Fisher, 1869
  • Chair of the Council Library Committee

Zest is the trading name for Netherthorpe & Upperthorpe Community Alliance or NUCA.

NUCA was established in 1997 as a community forum and by 1999 was successful in its bid to deliver an area regeneration programme (SRB 6/ERDF) worth £15 million, for which it was accountable body. The programme addressed priorities around community capacity, social inclusion, employment and training, community safety and health. This programme ended in 2006 and received an excellent external evaluation.

In 2007 Upperthorpe Healthy Living Centre Trust transferred full operational management of its centre to Zest. Zest has shifted its focus from grant funded work to delivery of services and contracts. In 2008 NUCA adopted a new trading name of 'Zest' to reflect its increasing role in the delivery of public services. It now works with partners at a local and city wide level and delivers a wide range of health, employment, leisure and community services.

The Zest Centre was originally built as Upperthorpe Branch Library in 1874, with a public swimming baths added in 1895. Please follow these links for a fascinating insight into the history of this wonderful Victorian grade II listed building

http://www.readingsheffield.co.uk/a-new-library-for-upperthorpe-part-i/
http://www.readingsheffield.co.uk/a-new-library-for-upperthorpe-part-ii/