We aim to develop a dynamic multicultural community centre, with a community kitchen at the center of its services. It will be open to local people for training in East Asian cuisine, social entrepreneurs to demonstrate their culinary skills, as pop up restaurants showcasing different cultures and food tradition, or be hired to school or local catering events.
The restaurant area will be used as a regular cafe and hub for office spots, with facilities for social entrepreneurs to start up their business. It will specifically target women from the East Asian communities who wants set up their own take away business, with variety of food from East Asian countries.
The surplus from running the community kitchen social enterprise will be reinvested into our communities. It will support the provision of luncheon clubs for the elderly in the local area, promotion of arts and cultural activities, festivals, employment training, advice and support on issues affecting the East Asian communities.
What we'll deliver:
- A modern and safe community kitchen
- Community kitchen with training facilities
- A welcoming and flexible restaurant area for social and work environment
- A community hub with multicultural activities and income generating facilities
- The initial stage, and foundations in restoring this historical community building
- A resource centre for East Asian communities
Why it's a great idea:
To convert this dilapidated bathhouse into a modern and dynamic multicultural centre, with community kitchen - a first in London. This will benefit 3 largest minorities (Chinese, Vietnamese and Filipinos) in Hackney, regenerate the local neighbourhood, supporting many marginalised community members.
The 3 partnering communities have a long history of community services; this collaboration will develop an East Asian community resource centre benefiting the 3 biggest East Asian migrant and refugee groups, sharing their experiences and heritage in making Hackney their new home.
The resource centre will bring together knowledge, skills and expertise amongst East Asian communities to enrich the social, economic and civic life in Hackney, reduce isolation, encourage greater social cohesion amongst members and the local community.
We look to create bridges by introducing and engaging with our diverse local community through East Asian community, culture and heritage.
Steps to get it done:
- To complete landlord work on structure by November 2019
- To complete renovation of the community kitchen by mid January 2020
- To install cookers and kitchen appliance by February 2020
- To renovate/decorate restaurant shopfloor by April 2020
- To open the community kitchen by May 2020
The Old Bath House is a registered community building; it was converted into a restaurant and community centre by the Vietnamese community in 1980's until its closure. This innovative project will support migrants, refugees and local community who have contributed in the borough. We believe this social enterprise will create opportunities for local regeneration, facilitate joint working, community initiatives and greater cohesion.
This project is part of a joint vision for three migrant/refugee communities to work together and provide services to the most marginalised members of our communities, to help facilitate their integration into the wider society and improve the socio-economic situation of poorer members of our communities.
Hackney Council has approved £400,000 to repair the structures of the building to make it safe and habitable. The renovation and functional repair inside the building will rely on the communities fundraising and volunteering to complete the project.
