South Chingford has a new place to meet, learn and unwind. Salisbury Manor Community Hub, based at Salisbury Manor Primary School in Burnside Avenue, has officially opened as a permanent space for local residents to gather, take part in activities and get to know their neighbours.
The hub is the result of a partnership between the school, Peabody Community Foundation, which is the charitable arm of housing association Peabody, and United Communities, with support from other community partners.
The renovated open-plan space has kitchen facilities, toilets and office areas, and there is already a full programme on offer. Residents can try tai chi, yoga, performing arts, dance, boccia, Zumba and karate, and there are youth clubs, craft sessions and weekly Public Living Room meetings too.
Peabody Community Foundation coordinated the renovation work free of charge and is providing grant funding for furniture and running costs.
Emily Curtis, headteacher of Salisbury Manor Primary School, said she hoped residents would be able to "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," she added.
The hub gave locals a taste of what is to come in September, when it hosted a community celebration with arts, crafts, games, food and live piano music. Families went home with free back-to-school supplies, and visitors were asked what they would like to see next. Suggestions included gymnastics, football and youth employment support.
For one resident, the day was a reminder of how much a free, local event can mean. "We don't often go out because wherever we go we have to spend money and with kids it's very difficult," they said. "It was amazing to have something so close to home."
The hub ran on a temporary basis last year before closing so that improvements could be made in response to what the community asked for.
Councillor Afzal Akram welcomed the opening, saying the facility was something residents had asked for.
