Kenmont Primary School has reopened the doors of its buzzing annexe to the local community after a £110,000 renovation.
The recently modernised annexe in College Park offers a wide range of fun and affordable classes. Residents can get involved in yoga, coffee mornings, meditation, an acapella choir, children’s dance classes and – coming soon – boxercise.
The community hub is located in the north of the borough close to Harlesden. Visit their website for the full activity schedule.
“More than 550 local people have visited the beautifully renovated space since it reopened in December,” said Cllr Bora Kwon, H&F Cabinet Member for Civic Renewal. “It’s been great to work with the school, PTA and the local community to bring back such a well-loved space for local residents.”
Thanks to funding from Hammersmith & Fulham Council, money raised by the school and its PTA, and £75,000 from HS2’s Community and Environment Fund, the once disused annexe has been completely revived.
Annexe-citing space
The community hub hosts classes and events open to anyone whether you're looking to get fit, pursue a hobby or just meet new people. Check out the schedule of activities on their website.
Patrice Jones, a College Park resident who regularly attends events and recently taught a meditation class in the new annexe, said: “I love the space and feel it is a valuable asset to our community. It brings us all together and enables us to connect socially. I have met people I never would have met outside the annexe.”
The space is also available for hire. Local resident Helen Killick, whose choir meets in the space, said: “I recently used the annexe as a venue for my son's birthday party, allowing our family to get to know his classmates and their parents at his new school. He loved it and told me he wanted exactly the same party next year.”
Community effort
David Collins, Executive Head of Kenmont, Brackenbury and Wendell Park Primary Schools, said: “Kenmont Primary is really pleased to be able to offer the community annexe for local residents and groups to use. The school’s breakfast and after school childcare service is also benefiting from this lovely new space.”
The school has worked with local community groups, including the College Park Neighbourhood Group (CONGA), to create the community space.
Nazia Chishty, chair of the PTA at Kenmont Primary, said: “The annexe is doing exactly what we envisioned it would, bringing together the local community and providing a safe and fun place for everyone to use.”
Julie McBride, chair of CONGA, added: “A lot of new connections amongst neighbours are now being made, which make us stronger as a community and makes College Park a more enjoyable place to live in.”
There are plans to continue to improve the annexe as well as overhaul the school’s garden. If you’d like to support, visit their GoFundMe page.
