New community hub for Old Kent Road

Southwark Council has approved a proposal from the Livesey Exchange to construct and operate a new community space on Old Kent Road.

This community hub will be a temporary structure that will provide retail, affordable business and community space. It will have a particular focus on supporting youth activities and building the capacity of local young people.

Artist’s impression of the new community hub

The project will be largely funded by the council and the GLA’s good growth fund, with an additional contribution from crowdfunding.

It will support businesses in the area and provide training to local people. It will also make space available for community events and meetings.

Cllr Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning, said:

“The council is always listening to local people and we know how important it is to our residents to have affordable workspace as well as genuinely affordable homes.

This fantastic initiative with the Livesey Exchange on Old Kent Road demonstrates that we aren’t just talking the talk in our policies, but are also walking the walk as we take forward our major growth plans.

The community hub will be a great addition to Old Kent Road, encouraging small businesses, helping local people to upskill and making Southwark the destination for small business”