Community-focused organisations are being sought for a new space in the heart of Woodberry Downs in Hackney, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the country.

Hackney Council, working with the local community, its partners, and Woodberry Down Community Organisation, have secured an 8,000 square foot multi-use space overlooking the new Spring Park and Woodberry Wetlands west reservoir.

Woodberry Down is one of Europe’s biggest single-site estate regeneration projects and is led by a partnership between Hackney Council, Woodberry Down Community Organisation, Berkeley Homes, Notting Hill Genesis, and Manor House Development Trust.

The site was previously earmarked as a commercial space but will now be used for social and community benefits to help deliver on the Council’s commitments for a “fair recovery from the coronavirus pandemic” and to support the local economy.

Charities, social enterprises and community organisations are being invited to put forward proposals for all or part of the unit, that can make the most of the new space to benefit both Woodberry Down residents and the wider community.

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney, said: “The new space in Woodberry Down has been hard-won and offers a unique opportunity for local businesses, community groups and social enterprises to place themselves at the heart of one of the largest estates in London.

“Offering this space as part of the Woodberry Down project shows that responsible regeneration goes beyond just housing, but also working with the community to help deliver a fair recovery from the pandemic and ensure local people are the first to benefit from change.

“We’re keen to continue to provide affordable spaces for social enterprises and voluntary sector community organisations in Council-owned buildings. This is just one of the ways we’re ensuring that we are rebuilding a fairer Hackney.”

Since construction began on the site in 2009, over 2000 homes have been completed during the first phase of the project. More than a third of these homes are for social rent or shared ownership, and many existing council tenants have successfully moved into them.

The regeneration has also delivered a new secondary school, community facilities, new parks, youth hub and the reopening of Woodberry Wetlands, which is a haven for birds and other wildlife.

The partners are working with a design committee made up of community representatives to develop plans for the project and engage with the local community.