Southall groups invited to apply for space in new community hub
Wed 03 Aug 2022
Ealing Council and Catalyst are working together to regenerate the Havelock estate and are turning 36 disused garages and 2,000 square metres of unused space into new facilities that will benefit the community.
There will be a multi-purpose room, workshops, children’s play and learning spaces, a community kitchen, changing rooms and secure storage facilities.
The Catalyst information pack includes more details about the space available, the application criteria and terms and conditions. The pack and application form can be found at Open Havelock community centre
The deadline for submitting applications is Sunday 11 September 2022. A points-based system will be used to evaluate responses and ensure a fair process.
The community hub project – known as ‘Open Havelock’ - will use the empty space for a short period of time. The land and the former garages site are earmarked for more contentious housing.
The project has been partially grant-funded by the Mayor of London and London Enterprise Partnership’s Good Growth regeneration programme.
Work started on the new facilities in January 2022 after consultation with the local community. It is expected to be completed this summer.
Access to the nearby Grand Union Canal will be improved subject to approval of further funds
Nicola Wheeler, head of community investment for community programmes and services at Catalyst, which is a subsidiary of the Peabody Group, said: "The garages were underutilised and attracted fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, and local people told us they’d like to see them turned into something useful."
"With on-site refurbishments nearing completion, we are keen to hear from a diverse range of local people and organisations who would like to work with us to create a thriving community hub that will bring significant benefits to the Havelock community now and in the years to come."
"Whether you are a community group, start-up business, early years provider, artist, or any other type of community-minded enterprise, please check out the opportunities that are available and get in touch."
Councillor Shital Manro, the council’s lead member for good growth, said: "The Open Havelock project is an excellent example of the council and its partners coming together to provide high quality facilities for local people to exercise and socialise."
"We welcome ideas for activities that could be held at the venue and hope that community groups seize this opportunity."
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