Searching for a place to get involved in sports, cooking or other activities?
Local residents in Highgate Newton now have a state-of-the-art, highly anticipated community centre on their doorstep. After the original community centre was demolished to make way for new homes, plans for a rebuild were quickly set in motion.
The new multi-floor building includes a sports hall, cookery school, hairdressers and a laundrette. Camden Council also provide speech and language programmes, specialist mental health support, as well as courses for parents and carers.
Discover the history of the Highgate Newton community centre, the range of services available and the positive impact on the local community.
The legacy of the beloved old community centre still lives on – following the 70s refurbishment of homes in the area, residents and council members collaborated to transform a derelict building into a community hub.
This committee delivered a wide array of activities covering sports, advice sessions, craftwork, entertainment and sessions for pensioners, mothers and babies. “Our new facility channels the spirit of the beloved original,” shares Andrew Sanalitro, director of Highgate Newton Community Partners.
“For the grand opening on 16th May, we hosted local cabinet members, residents and MPs – as well as a group of schoolchildren from Channing School choir and La Sainte Union who performed a series of popular hits.
“Attendees also took part in pottery classes, pizza making and discovered the incredible services provided by Camden’s Children’s Centres and Family Hubs. Caring for the local community is a key ambition for the new centre.”
Bountiful range of services available
A core aspect of the community centre’s provision is ensuring that Highgate Newton’s youth have plenty to keep them busy. Camden Integrated Youth Service will operate from the centre, providing services including trips, sports, homework support, creative activities and accredited learning opportunities.
The hardworking team at Highgate Newton Community Centre will be doing all they can to usher local young people towards achieving their goals. “One to one support will be offered to all young people at the centre,” reveals Andrew.
“This includes career information, academic guidance and advice, as well as support to remain in education, employment and training. Camden’s Children’s Centres and Family Hubs also offer free support for families from pregnancy through to age 19, or up to 25 for disabled children or those with special needs.”
Building a stronger community is the core principal that the new centre is built upon. Making sure that everyone feels they have a place in Highgate Newton, regardless of their background or situation, is an imperative for the entire team at the community centre.
“Building relationships and connections within the community is at the heart of what we do,” explains Andrew. “we work to create partnerships with and between local community groups, faith groups, schools, and libraries, so we can reach out to everyone who lives, works, studies or plays in our community.
“The new community hub will support us in this work and help people across the borough feel less isolated and better able to live full and happy lives.”
To find out more about the new community centre and services provided, visit highgatenewtown.org.uk.
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