News in Brief
Back to life
Work has begun on a £8million renovation of the Grade II listed Stoke Newington Assembly Hall and Council Chamber.
Hackney Council is bringing one of the borough’s most significant and much-loved buildings back into public use.
In its heyday, the assembly hall was host to a fantastic line up of entertainment. It attracted performers like Eartha Kit and George Melly, while EastEnders star and local girl, Barbara Windsor learnt to tap dance there as a youngster.
The building’s 1930s Art Deco grandeur will be restored and a modern extension built to ensure it once again lives up to its vibrant past and is available for a wide range of community uses and private hire. The Council Chamber, closed to the public since the amalgamation of Metropolitan Borough of Stoke Newington into the London Borough of Hackney in 1965, will also be transformed into a versatile venue.
The work is due to be completed by January 2010. Keep reading Hackney Today for progress updates.
For more info email: bk2life@hackney.gov.uk.
Winning in the water
The pioneering work of one of Hackney’s most successful youth projects has been recognised with a prestigious national award.
Laburnum Boat Club, based on the Regent’s Canal in Haggerston, has formed a central part of the local community for over 25 years. It offers young people the chance to discover the world of boating, as well as exercise, make new friends and have fun. Its range of activities for young people with disabilities is almost unrivalled in London.
The club offers everything from canoeing, kayaking and narrow boating, to cycling trips and workshops in a supportive, creative and positive environment.
One of its many projects is a pioneering after school club that enables up to 30 local young people with disabilities, ranging from severe autism and cerebral palsy to learning and behavioural problems, to get involved with sport.
Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Laburnum does tremendous work to extend opportunities to all young people in Hackney in a fully inclusive manner.”
The club received a highly commended in the Health and Wellbeing category of the 2008 Children and Young People Service’s Awards on 20 November.
For more info call: 020 7729 2915, or email: laburnumboatclub@tiscali.co.uk.
Sports for all
A free sports club offering disabled and able bodied residents the chance to train and compete together is opening at Clissold Leisure Centre.
The No Limits Sports Club launches on 8 December and will offer adults and children the opportunity to join in with athletics, basketball, cricket, trampolining and Paralympic sport Boccia (below), which is similar to Boules.
It will take place every Monday with sessions for under 16s, from 5-6pm, followed by over 16s sessions from 6-7pm.
The club is run in partnership with the Learning Trust; GLL, the borough’s leisure centre provider; and the Council’s 2012 Unit.
Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said: “As a host borough for the 2012 Games, we’re hoping all our residents will be inspired to join in more sports and physical activity to lead a healthier lifestyle. This club is a great initiative which gives everyone a chance to get involved.”
To find out more, call Alan Walsh on: 07974 891 932 or email: awalsh@learningtrust.co.uk.
Support for borough businesses
Small and medium sized businesses in the borough are being offered extra support to win work through a new service that matches them to contracts.
East London Business Place links local suppliers to buyers and arranges face to face business support, events and training. It has already brokered 160 individual contracts ranging from small purchase orders of £100 to contracts of more than £1million.
The service is open to businesses across 10 boroughs in the Thames Gateway area and brings together a range of support initiatives to give local businesses a competitive edge.
Cllr Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “Small and medium sized businesses are at the heart of Hackney’s economy. As a host borough for 2012, East London Business
Place will also offer valuable guidance to local businesses competing for Games-related contracts.”
For further details visit: www.elbp.co.uk.
Page updated: 2 Dec 2008