Lambeth Council’s decision to redevelop International House will be taken this Tuesday, which if passed will see over 100 charities and companies forced out of their offices.
“This development really misses the true essence of what Brixton and Lambeth are about, it could really ostracise people in the community. So much incredible work which happens here will either have to move to another borough or cease to continue altogether.”
Kate Allan, Co-founder of PropUp Project
What’s being planned?
The site is owned by Lambeth Council, which has partnered with property developer London Square. The proposal involves the development of 288 housing units, a proportion of which will be affordable, as well as workspaces and shops.
International House, Brixton. Credit: Lucy Hadlow, City News.
The building is currently home to restaurant The Bird Nest, and wellness space Rooftop Sauna, but the majority of the building is leased by 3Space, which provides over 6,000sqm of affordable workspaces.
Fears for community groups’ survival
City News spoke with several of the organisations that are based in the building.
PropUp Project is a not for profit that redistributes old props and TV sets to charities and local communities.
Kate Allan, its co-founder, described how International House is an ecosystem built on community.
“[International House] is jam-packed with communities and organisations and charities in the Lambeth area that we could donate directly to and support”, she said.
Kate Allan, Co-founder of the PropUp Project. Credit: Rob Singleton, City News.
“[The other organisations in the building] could also support us through advice on how to set up our community interest company, whether that was with legal things etc, all those things we needed to do, there was a great community here who could help us.”
“I don’t think PropUp would still exist if it wasn’t for International House. The space to rent in London is astronomically expensive and as a not for profit, we can’t afford most options.”
PropUp Project workspace, International House. Credit: Rob Singleton, City News.
Craft Forward is a not for profit that organises creative experiences open to everyone, in the form of workshops and lessons.
Elena Lo Presti, Managing Director Craft Forward. Credit: Rob Singleton, City News.
Elena Lo Presti, its managing director, told City News, “If we are lucky, we will find another affordable workspace in London where maybe we can run workshops, but the office would likely be separate, the whole operation will be more fragmented.
“That fragmentation presents an issue because what works with the groups we run is regularity – they know where to come for workshops. They recognise this place as their community hub. Lambeth Council has offered no help with relocation.”
Elena Lo Presti knitting in Craft Forward workspace, International House. Credit: Lucy Hadlow, City News.
What has Lambeth Council said?
Lambeth councillor, Danny Adilypour, said in the planning announcement, “I am proud that, through extensive engagement, we’ve created plans that truly reflect the voices of Brixton’s diverse community.
“These proposals will not only deliver more 100% social rent homes for our residents but also new housing options for those who may want to call Brixton home.”
Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton. Credit: Rob Singleton, City News.
What happens next?
A decision on the future of International House will be made by Lambeth Council on Tuesday 24 March at Lambeth Civic Centre.
For the organisations based there, the outcome could determine whether they are forced to relocate or close altogether.
They’re organising a protest for 6pm outside Lambeth Town Hall.
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Headline‘We may not survive’: More than 100 Brixton charities fear for futures over redevelopment plan
Short HeadlineOver 100 Brixton charities fear for futures over redevelopment plan
StandfirstCharities in Brixton could be forced to relocate if plans to redevelop International House are approved by the council today
Lambeth Council’s decision to redevelop International House will be taken this Tuesday, which if passed will see over 100 charities and companies forced out of their offices.
“This development really misses the true essence of what Brixton and Lambeth are about, it could really ostracise people in the community. So much incredible work which happens here will either have to move to another borough or cease to continue altogether.”
Kate Allan, Co-founder of PropUp Project
What’s being planned?
The site is owned by Lambeth Council, which has partnered with property developer London Square. The proposal involves the development of 288 housing units, a proportion of which will be affordable, as well as workspaces and shops.
International House, Brixton. Credit: Lucy Hadlow, City News.
The building is currently home to restaurant The Bird Nest, and wellness space Rooftop Sauna, but the majority of the building is leased by 3Space, which provides over 6,000sqm of affordable workspaces.
Fears for community groups’ survival
City News spoke with several of the organisations that are based in the building.
PropUp Project is a not for profit that redistributes old props and TV sets to charities and local communities.
Kate Allan, its co-founder, described how International House is an ecosystem built on community.
“[International House] is jam-packed with communities and organisations and charities in the Lambeth area that we could donate directly to and support”, she said.
Kate Allan, Co-founder of the PropUp Project. Credit: Rob Singleton, City News.
“[The other organisations in the building] could also support us through advice on how to set up our community interest company, whether that was with legal things etc, all those things we needed to do, there was a great community here who could help us.”
“I don’t think PropUp would still exist if it wasn’t for International House. The space to rent in London is astronomically expensive and as a not for profit, we can’t afford most options.”
PropUp Project workspace, International House. Credit: Rob Singleton, City News.
Craft Forward is a not for profit that organises creative experiences open to everyone, in the form of workshops and lessons.
Elena Lo Presti, Managing Director Craft Forward. Credit: Rob Singleton, City News.
Elena Lo Presti, its managing director, told City News, “If we are lucky, we will find another affordable workspace in London where maybe we can run workshops, but the office would likely be separate, the whole operation will be more fragmented.
“That fragmentation presents an issue because what works with the groups we run is regularity – they know where to come for workshops. They recognise this place as their community hub. Lambeth Council has offered no help with relocation.”
Elena Lo Presti knitting in Craft Forward workspace, International House. Credit: Lucy Hadlow, City News.
What has Lambeth Council said?
Lambeth councillor, Danny Adilypour, said in the planning announcement, “I am proud that, through extensive engagement, we’ve created plans that truly reflect the voices of Brixton’s diverse community.
“These proposals will not only deliver more 100% social rent homes for our residents but also new housing options for those who may want to call Brixton home.”
Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton. Credit: Rob Singleton, City News.
What happens next?
A decision on the future of International House will be made by Lambeth Council on Tuesday 24 March at Lambeth Civic Centre.
For the organisations based there, the outcome could determine whether they are forced to relocate or close altogether.
They’re organising a protest for 6pm outside Lambeth Town Hall.
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