Research suggests that up to 10 community hubs close each year due to lack of funding and financial pressures[2]. To combat the decline, luxury property developer Gracie Group has donated ?1,500 to Sidings Community Centre in West Hampstead, to help fund new equipment and running costs for the well-established community hub.
Located in the heart of West Hampstead, Sidings Community Centre offers a range of facilities for the local community including Early Years Services, Play & Youth projects, Computer & Digital Skills Learning Centre, Adult Community Education Classes, a Foodbank, weekday Warm Space Caf?, Sports and well-being activities, and an annual event to bring the whole community together.
Supporting organisations where it builds, Gracie Group’s The Clay Yard development overlooks the community centre and Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) where members utilise the space to play football and basketball, cricket and rounders.
The donation from Gracie Group will provide new equipment and furniture for the hub’s popular nursery for 2–4 year-olds, and replace old sports equipment for the youth club to ensure members can participate in a range of indoor and outdoor sports.
The funds will also support the general running costs of the hub to keep the centre open for its seven day a week programme of activities.
Sue Measures, Manager at Sidings Community Centre, commented: “As a community centre, we see on average 1000 people utilising the centre services and activities each week. Our facilities are a place for the community to come together, learn new skills, volunteer and meet new faces. The donation from Gracie Group is appreciated as it enables us to provide a range of vital new equipment, particularly for the children and young people who use our nursery and youth club.”
Paul Godfrey, CEO at Gracie Group, added: “Community centres are at the heart of a strong and connected neighbourhood, which is why it’s so important to us that, as the community grows at The Clay Yard, we also support the spaces making a real difference to residents. By offering people of all ages a place to learn, grow and connect, these hubs play a vital role in development at every stage of life. We hope our donation helps the centre continue its valuable work and remain a welcoming place for the community.”
Gracie Group is a luxury property developer building prime residential developments with precision, design and quality craftsmanship across sought-after locations in London. Previously delivering a series of successful developments through special purpose vehicles (SPVs), including West Hampstead Ltd, the company now operates under the Gracie Group brand name.
Final apartments remain at The Clay Yard with prices starting from ?650,000. For more information, please visit theclayyard.co.uk/.
