Plans to convert derelict London community hall into new youth centre
Joe Lepper
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Plans have been submitted to Barking and Dagenham Council to convert a derelict community hall into a “crucial new facility for young people in east London”.
The community hall in Chadwell Heath has been derelict for more than 15 years. It is located in one of the most “geographically isolated and deprived estates in the borough”, according to developers.
Under the plans the site will be redeveloped and refurbished to create the Padnall Hall Youth Centre.
Acting on behalf of Barking and Dagenham Council, the proposals have been submitted by regeneration firm Be First, which has commissioned designs for the new site from architects RCKa.
Be First says that RCKa’s design follows consultation with young people in the area. The architects are looking to involve young people in the building of the project to support construction training and to create “a deep-rooted sense of ownership” in the community.
The new centre will be “a key asset for the community” and a “welcoming, open space for the borough’s young people”, said Cameron Geddes, Barking and Dagenham Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development.
RCKa director Dieter Kleiner added: “Social value is intrinsic to our proposals, and we are excited by the opportunities to empower local young people in the design and future operation of their new building.”
The youth centre development is being funded through a £2m grant from the government’s Youth Investment Fund, which is looking to back the building and refurbishment of 300 youth centres across England.
