From time to time an opportunity presents
itself which has the potential to make a significant contribution to the life
of a community. 80 Daws Lane is such a project.
Known locally as the Civil Defence Building, it was constructed in 1939
to support the war effort. Since then, it has continued to be used for a
variety of purposes including an archive centre, a temporary library and a
nursery school which has recently vacated the premises. Its future use is now
under consideration by the owner, Barnet Council.
Mill
Hill Residents Association (MHRA) is developing a vision for the site as a
Community Hub and is currently carrying out a programme of public consultation.
The
concept is to provide a place for young people to meet,
activities for parents with pre-school children, adult education, sport and recreation,
music and cultural events, flexible working facilities, a Cafe bar, a gallery
for local artists and a space to promote Mill Hill. In short a vibrant
community facility for all.
MHRA has successfully registered the site as
a Community Asset with Barnet Council. By doing so, the Council has identified
80, Daws Lane as having the potential to provide social, economic and
environmental benefits to the community in which it stands. The project team is
now developing a viable business plan for Barnet Council to consider.
Project Manager Chris Wong commented, “Responses
received from our consultation questionnaire are already showing a high level
of support from the community and we are also gaining political support for our
vision. We hope that Barnet Council
recognises the benefits of developing the new hub and uses the legislation
available to it to enable this community led project to come to fruition.
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Chris Wong is a member of the Mill Hill Residents Association. Guest Blogs are posted unedited and without comment by the Barnet Eye. Please submit using the email link in the sidebar.
I think it is highly inappropriate that a valuable community asset as this is turned in a country club for people in million pound houses.
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