This campaign has now closed

A building, at present a delapidated eyesore, will create a new community asset. Realising its potential, Forty Ltd raised over 1 million from the Lottery and other sources to restore the landmark building and convert it into an enterprise and community centre - combining physical with "people" regeneration. The local community has been involved at every stage from initial planning to learning the traditional craft skills needed for the refurbishment process

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Categories

  • Community Support & Development Community Support & Development
  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Environment/Conservation Environment/​Conservation
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Other Other
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Older People Older People
    • Women & Girls Women & Girls
    • Young People (18-30) Young People (18-30)
    • Other Other

    Situation

    We plan to refurbish a derelict site into a 3,769 square metre community and function hall, to meet current needs in Hackney/Haringey for local, large, flexible multi-purpose space. The flexibility of this hall will enable an increase in existing and new services, promote enterprise and employment, create a venue for a wide range of activities and events, on a rotational basis throughout the day and night, thereby maximising opportunities for community use and participation. The design will incorporate energy efficiency measures and easy wheelchair and disability access. We will incorporate a social enterprise kitchen, stage, sound and lighting systems, training suite and resources, flexible partitioning walls. The building, originally the first comprehensive school in London, has heritage value in its own right and is situated in the heart of marginalised and disadvantaged communities of Woodberry Down. The venue will contribute to solidifying community spirit, social cohesion, relationships and networks as the building will be run and used by local residents; thereby, enhancing the quality of life of local people in areas of need, by reducing the gap between deprived and other areas and between different groups, including BME communities. The building will create a socio-economic balance between the redevelopment of the Woodberry Down estates, community services and local community needs, for flexible space for IT/teachers/cookery/catering training, children’s book library, youth club, business/employment advisers, cultural & social events and various new services as the need arises. Residents involved will retain responsibility for the building; make decisions regarding use of space. The building which is managed by a committee of ten community members, already meet regularly and are actively involved in the future planning stages of the building, including successfully fundraising. We are fully aware that long – term sustainability is crucial, which reflects in our project’s business plan.

    Solution

    100%
    Categories

  • Community Support & Development Community Support & Development
  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Environment/Conservation Environment/​Conservation
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Other Other
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Older People Older People
    • Women & Girls Women & Girls
    • Young People (18-30) Young People (18-30)
    • Other Other