Following lengthy negotiations, Shepherds Bush Village Hall in Bulwer Street has been sold to the Wigoder Family Foundation, allowing the council, it says, to spend the proceeds of the sale on front-line services.
In February 2011, the council chose to sell the hall and seven other buildings in order to reduce its historic debt, which at the time stood at £133 million.
The building is occupied by several popular community groups, including the Shepherds Bush Families Project, West and North West London Vietnamese Association and the West London School of Dance.
During the last year, the council has worked closely with these groups to find a solution that would keep the centre open and has even offered them first right of refusal. When a deal proved out of their reach, the groups made contact with the Wigoder Family Foundation, who has now signed on the dotted line after agreeing a price with the council.
The Wigoder Family Foundation was established with an endowment from Charles Wigoder, one of the UK's leading entrepreneurs, with the aim of supporting a wide range of charitable causes.
Cllr Joe Carlebach, cabinet member for community care said:
“In the true spirit of localism, the council pledged from the very outset to work with the current occupiers of the building to find an amicable solution. We said all along that we would not just take the money and run, so I am delighted that we have found a way to keep the hall open while reducing the burden on taxpayers.
“The unprecedented nature of the current economic climate means that if we are serious about protecting libraries, voluntary sector grants and services for the vulnerable we need to look elsewhere to make savings. Taxpayers have told us that they would prefer us to sell some buildings and I am sure they will be pleased that we have been able to keep the centre open at no cost to them.
“We are hugely proud of the contribution that the groups based at Bulwer Street make to the borough and we are delighted that they shall be remaining.”
A Widgoer Family Foundation spokesman said:
“The foundation was deeply concerned when it heard about the intended closure of this much loved community resource, which had been providing space to a number of extremely worthwhile causes for over 20 years. Working closely with Hammersmith & Fulham Council, we are delighted to have been able to secure the purchase of the Village Hall, and thus provide the occupying charities with long-term accommodation on an affordable basis.”
The West London School of Dance currently hire out the ground floor hall of the building and will continue to do so to the existing hirers under the new arrangements.
The school’s director, Anna du Boisson, said:
“It is absolutely wonderful that the council has recognised the importance of ballet and dance in the community. We are now in the process of creating a world class studio in an extraordinary space. It is great that Shepherds Bush will now be put on the map as a centre for classical ballet.”
"It is great that Shepherds Bush will now be put on the map as a centre for classical ballet.” - yep, that's what people will now relate the Bush to; classical ballet. I knew we were being gentrified, but this is taking the piss! Good luck to them, glad they have the space preserved.
ReplyDeleteShame nobody appears to be stepping in to save the butchers on Uxbridge Road that is due to close. J Hunt has been there for years serving up great meat produce.
It's been serving the fine people of shepherds bush for many years, but i suppose with the changing demographic of the area there's enough halal butchers down the Uxbridge Rd and the flash new one on Askew Rd to keep the new locals in the Bush happy. No doubt it will open back up as a fried chicken shop, or be divided into 2 shops, one of which is selling international phone cards.
Still, sad to see another bit of the "old" Bush disappear, they're lovely people in there so all the best to them. Nik
J Hunt is a great butcher's shop. I wonder if it may have lost some business to the Ginger Pig in Askew Road? I shall be very sorry to see it go.
ReplyDeleteJ Hunt leaving is very sad - along with John's barbers a couple of doors down they are part of the Old Bush that is sadly dwinding.
ReplyDeleteWonder how many of the eulogising Ginger Pig fans will still be happy when the prices start to creep up...
The ballet school has been using the village hall for donkeys years and has nought to do with gentrification! There has been karate and yoga there for ages as well - just not very well advertised.
ReplyDeleteJohn's is shutting down? What a shame. I used to get my hair cut there all the time when I worked in the Bush. Good luck to them both in the future.
ReplyDelete