The Higham Hill Hub, which is currently based in a portacabin in Higham Hill Park, has been fundraising for a new facility since 2022, reports Marco Marcelline
An illustration showing the new community centre will look, Credit: Studio Dera
A Walthamstow community centre’s regeneration wish has been answered after the government has agreed to hand it £1.9million towards works.
The Higham Hill Hub, which is currently based in a portacabin in Higham Hill Park, has been fundraising for a new facility since 2022.
In February 2022, the hub received planning approval for new buildings on the former bowling green in the park.
The council approved plans for two sustainable design buildings with “intensive wild green roofs” and outdoor spaces for growing and cooking food. The buildings will also include a large hall for meetings, exhibitions and performances. Architects Studio DERA are behind the designs.
The funding, announced today (23rd December) came from the Community Ownership Fund, a grant that has saved much-loved community sites from across the UK since its launch in 2021.
The scheme, which was due to run until the end of 2025, was however closed early by the Labour government, with officials blaming the state of public finances for the move.
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy celebrated the funding announcement, writing on X/Twitter: “Santa has come early to Higham Hill = congratulations to the Higham Hill Hub CIC who have secured £1.9m from the Community Ownership Fund towards refurbishing the community centre in the park. Exciting times!”
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