Salisbury Manor Community Hub, based at Salisbury Manor Primary School, is offering tai chi, yoga, performing arts, dance, boccia, Zumba and karate to local people
A new community hub has opened in South Chingford, with its founders describing it as a “permanent space for local people to meet, take part in activities and get involved in their community”.
Salisbury Manor Community Hub is based at Salisbury Manor Primary School in Burnside Avenue.
It’s been created by the school and Peabody Community Foundation (PCF), the charitable arm of not-for-profit housing association Peabody, in partnership with United Communities. The hub is also supported by a range of community partners.
The open-plan, multi-use space now includes kitchen facilities, toilets and office space and has been fully redecorated and fitted out for community use as a permanent hub.
A programme of activities for all ages is set to take place at the hub, including tai chi, yoga, performing arts, dance, boccia, Zumba and karate. There is also a youth club, a craft and chat group, and a weekly Public Living Room.
PCF coordinated support from partners to carry out the works for free and is also providing grant funding towards furniture and ongoing running costs.
Headteacher of Salisbury Manor Primary School, Emily Curtis said: “From the very beginning this has been about listening to and working with our community.
“As a school, we see every day, the difference that strong relationships, support and opportunity can make to families, and this hub is an extension of that commitment.
“When people walk into this building I hope they feel welcome. I hope parents find support and friendships. I hope children and young people discover new opportunities. I hope residents can access services, learning and wellbeing activities close to home. And most importantly I hope this becomes a place where relationships grow and where our community feels stronger because of connections made here.
“The success of this building won’t be measured by the walls around us, but by the people that use it, the partnerships we build and the positive difference it can make in the lives of our local families for many years to come.”
In September, locals also came together for a free community event at the hub, with arts and crafts, games, a photo booth, food and refreshments and live piano music by Peabody’s portfolio facilities manager, Roberto.
Children received free back-to-school supplies, while residents shared ideas for what they would like to see at the hub in future, including craft clubs, gymnastics, football, stay and play sessions, youth employment support and seasonal events.
One resident, who attended with her children, said: “It was a really nice day. We don’t often go out because wherever we go we have to spend money and with kids it’s very difficult. It was amazing to have something so close to home and in the community. The children had somewhere to paint and run around, and I got to have a chat and meet new people. I hope it happens more often.”
Salisbury Manor Community Hub began temporarily hosting activities last year after sessions moved there from the nearby Paradox Centre. It then closed to allow improvement works to take place, with local groups helping to shape plans on how to transform the space into a permanent hub.
Waltham Forest councillor Afzal Akram, who represents Valley Ward, attended the community reopening. He said: “I’m really excited to see this new community hub open. Residents have been asking about it so it’s great to be here and see it busy. We’re looking forward to holding one of our future Chingford Hall Residents Association meetings here.”
Zakia, who grew up in Chingford Hall and supports her mum, who is a Peabody resident said: “Many moons ago, the hub used to be my nursery school. My fondest memory was the quiet corner for storytime, which is where the pantry is situated. My other fondest memories include painting and playing in the sandpit.
“My childhood started here and somehow it’s brought me back. I’m looking forward to using the hub, I’d like to see some wellbeing events here and I’d love to run workshops too. It’s a lovely space for new and exciting times ahead.”
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