Situated in South Kilburn, The Granville stands as a vibrant workspace and community hub, offering affordable workspace options for local entrepreneurs and serving as a venue for community events. Through a collaborative effort involving various project partners and local stakeholders, the refurbishment of this 19th-century church hall exemplifies community-led regeneration, aiming to restore this cherished asset to its former glory.
Restoring the Church Hall
At the heart of The Granville lies the original church hall, characterized by its double-height space, slender timber columns, and abundant natural light. This area now houses the enterprise hub, providing a new home for the South Kilburn Studios. Despite budget constraints, the focus was on creating an open and flexible environment. Utilizing cost-effective materials, a series of open studios were designed around a striking blue staircase, enhancing the sense of height and space within the hall.
Creating Community Connections
Strategic interventions were made to enhance the building’s accessibility and engagement with the local community. This included activating a previously concealed garden and establishing a vibrant public entrance. These interventions not only improved access but also facilitated direct engagement with the building’s interior. The communal nature of the space, coupled with a community café, encourages interaction and collaboration among users, fostering a sense of community spirit.
Collaborative Design Approach
From inception, RCKa collaborated closely with project partners to develop a commercially viable long-term vision for The Granville. This involved site visits, public consultations, working models, and workshops to ensure that the design process was inclusive and responsive to the needs of various stakeholders. The result is a renovation design that strikes a balance between user requirements while promoting community cohesion and social interaction.
Conclusion
The Granville renovation project exemplifies the power of community-led regeneration in revitalizing urban spaces. By repurposing a historic building and transforming it into a dynamic workspace and community hub, The Granville serves as a beacon of creativity, collaboration, and social engagement in South Kilburn. Through its inclusive design approach and commitment to community values, The Granville stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collaborative regeneration projects.
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