Charities and organizations in Hackney have initiated a campaign to acquire the former Colvestone Primary School building, following the council’s designation of the site as an asset of community value (ACV).
Last month, a coalition of local residents and groups revealed their proposal aimed at preventing the deterioration of the east London structure by transforming it into a creative and cultural center, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
This effort comes after Hackney Council decided to close Colvestone along with three other schools in August of the previous year, citing a decline in student enrollment.
Additionally, the council has suggested further closures of primary schools, anticipated to take effect in August 2025.
The consortium’s plan emphasizes that “prompt reoccupation” of the building could halt its decline and lower costs for the council. They propose that the council consider offering either a temporary or long-term lease to community groups while exploring the building’s future possibilities.
Participating in the bid are entities such as Pollock’s Toy Museum, Julian Joseph’s Music Hub, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, and musician and producer Samuel Shepherd, known professionally as Floating Points, who has been nominated for a Mercury Prize.
The proposal has gained the backing of several local businesses aiming to provide instruction in various areas including art, music, furniture making, clothing design, and recycling.
Bill Parry-Davies, the consortium’s coordinator, stated, “School closures are a consequence of London becoming increasingly unaffordable for young families, while councils face significant funding shortages from the government. There are indeed feasible alternative uses that bring community value, such as the initiative for Colvestone School, which would help preserve and enhance the unique architectural, educational, and social heritage represented by these former schools.”
According to the Localism Act of 2011, once properties are designated as ACVs by the local authority, community members are entitled to bid on them if the council opts to sell. This process initiates a moratorium period, giving residents time to secure financing to acquire the building before any private transaction is considered.
Councillor Robert Chapman, Hackney Council’s cabinet member for finance, remarked, “We are dedicated to identifying the most sustainable and suitable uses for all former school sites within the borough. It is now up to the organizations and groups seeking this recognition to prove they can utilize the building and land sustainably. In the meantime, we will continue to formulate our own plans for this location and others. It is important to note that any shift in use for a former school requires approval from the Secretary of State.”
