The Common Room is a temporary structure built in 2014 in an un-loved corner of Roman Road. This fund is required to transform the existing structure to become a community learning and cultural space in partnership with several cultural and educational organisations and institutions. The structure will need new roofing, flooring, front extension, storage, and toilet. Once the space is built we will begin by developing Learning Programmes to focus on sustaining healthy high streets and providing training in Community Organising to local groups. We will also create Cultural Programmes in collaboration with local institutions to reflect our diverse local community.

What we'll deliver:

• New roof
• New flooring
• Suitable storage facilities
• Equipment/furniture
• A welcoming entrance and reception area
• Toilet
• Learning Programme
• Cultural Programme
• High Street Programme

Why it's a great idea:

This project is a great idea as a place that can build interest in community engagement and organising. It aims for local residents to have an active role in shaping and impacting their neighbourhood and ensure the high street becomes a vibrant environment outside its pure purpose of consumption. Its programme will enable people to relate to the rich social history of the area through their own stories to foster a sense of belonging. Once this space is recreated to become functional and use-able throughout the year we can deliver an exciting cultural and educational programme, uniquely specific to neighbourhoods in and around the Roman Road. Collaborations would mean we can support artists running events at The Common Room, as well as talks and workshops that deliver informal learning. Formal short courses for those interested in social enterprises and community projects will be delivered in collaboration with our university partners and School For Civic Action.

Steps to get it done:

• Securing final design and drawings from architect
• Sourcing materials to build structure
• Secured Expression of Interest from local cultural organisations to deliver learning programmes
• Finalising Partnership Agreements with local cultural organisations
• Securing Landlord Agreements
• Applying for planning consent
• Prepare all tender documents
• Procurement to contractors
• Final quotes for the build
• Begin build
• Develop Culture, High Street, and Learning Programmes with partner organisations
• Secure all building certificates
• Building completion
• Planning the launch of The Common Room
• Begin Programmes

We intend for the programme offered in The Common Room to continually evolve to suit the needs, desires, and interests of local people. However, to begin, the focus will be threefold: 
 1 - Knowledge and learning on sustaining healthy high streets 2 - Learning programme on Community Organising to support and work with Roman Road Trust to deliver democratic and fit for purpose programmes 3 - Cultural programmes which will initially draw upon the radical history of the area but will move to draw upon the current cultural offering to reflect our diverse local community