The idea
The new space we have is a raw, fully accessible 360 square meter shop front unit which we will make habitable and beautiful with an interior fit-out.
We’re so excited to be joining forces with local arts charity Hackney Showroom to transform this new unit into a dynamic community space and work together with the community to dream up new plans for activities and events for all.
The TRA plan to deliver a timetable of activities in line with the wishes expressed by Kings Crescent residents. Feedback so far includes: cooking, street parties, book club, homework club, youth club, gentle exercise for older residents, music events.
Hackney Showroom will deliver a programme of creative & cultural projects including: FUTUREHEADS - a holiday project for 8-11 year olds; Disco Loco - a family arts programme for the very young and their families; Hackney Showroom Young Actors - a high level skills based training for 16-25 year olds serious in a career in acting.
What we'll deliver
- A beautiful new community space with a finished interior fit-out
- A new programme of activities for an estate undergoing a lengthy regeneration process
- An outstanding creative and cultural offering accessable to the local community
- Utilise the new play street in front of the space with street parties and activities
- Skills training and volunteer opportunities
Why it's a great idea
The needs of our community vary widely, and we’re committed to hosting activities & events that address this wide range of needs in our transformed community space.
We are so thrilled to be able to enjoy a meaningful collaboration with Hackney Showroom and think this coming together of an estate group with an arts charity has bags of potential! Our contrasting strengths will really be an asset to the community - the TRA with our grassroots engagement with local residents, and Hackney Showroom with their expertise in conjuring up inspirational activity, is a recipe for a great future for our local community.
The TRA committee is a mixture of residents from the old and new blocks, enabling participation across the whole estate; meaning a diverse range of skills, opinions, ideas, knowledge, worries, hopes and dreams will be heard. We already have a strong track record, engaging over 200 residents at previous events, and many residents regularly attending our family fun mornings.
Steps to get it done
- Fit out community centre with blinds, flooring, storage August-September 2020
- Start to pilot some weekly activities from October 2020
- Continue to get feedback/ideas/suggestions from the community regarding activity timetable & events
Kings Crescent Estate in Hackney was built in the 1960s but is currently in the midst of a large regeneration project. The estate is being transformed with a mix of new homes and improvements to existing homes on the estate. Phase 1 and 2 was completed in early 2018, which saw refurbishments to some existing blocks and 273 new homes being built - a mix of social rent (79), shared ownership (36) and outright sale (158). The estate was recently granted the planning permission to commence phase 3 and 4, which includes refurbishment to the remaining older blocks, and a further 200 or so homes being built. The next phases of regeneration are due to commence in late 2020.
For more information on the Kings Crescent regeneration project: https://www.hackney.gov.uk/kings-crescent-estate
We are excited to be partnering with Hackney Showroom on this venture as they bring a vast amount of knowledge, experience and connections. However, they are also a charity so also rely on fundraising.
