Derwent London plc (“Derwent London” / “the Group”) is pleased to launch its enlarged Community Fund programme 2016 - covering Fitzrovia and now the Tech Belt* area. This forms part of the Group’s on-going sustainability programme and commitment to developing community engagement. The Group’s Fitzrovia community funding programme was launched in 2013 with £250,000 committed over three years and today’s announcement confirms a further £300,000 over three years for community projects, divided equally between Fitzrovia and the Tech Belt.
Fitzrovia Youth in Action Christmas Dinner 2015
Fitzrovia Centre Arts Programme 2015
Derwent London invites local community groups, residents and local business owners to apply for funding of their community projects. For 2016, funds will be available as follows:
Fitzrovia – a total of £50,000 is launched today, deadline for applications: 16 March 2016.
Tech Belt (focusing on Old Street neighbourhood this year) – a total of £50,000 is available for 2016, launched in two tranches of £25,000 in May 2016 and October 2016.
As in previous years, applications will be considered by representatives from Derwent London and the local community. For further information and how to apply, please visit www.derwentlondon.com/sustainability/priorities/community-fund or contact Derwent London - 020 7659 3000 or email fitzrovia@derwentlondon.com or techbelt@derwentlondon.com.
Derwent London has worked closely with the local community to develop this programme to enable the delivery of worthwhile projects. Grants from its Community Fund are in addition to the Group’s required community contributions from planning agreements. The Group has now committed a total of £550,000 (including administrative costs) into the Community Fund since it was launched in 2013. Most projects funded are either completed or under way and are providing much needed improvements, community facilities and new opportunities.
One of the key projects funded by the Group is charity Fitzrovia Youth in Action’s (“FYA”) new management and resurfacing of the sports pitch at The Warren W1, opposite Suffolk House, the 13-unit affording housing scheme delivered by Origin Housing for Derwent London in April 2015. To mark the launch of the games area, staff from Derwent London will take part in an inaugural football match with FYA on 26 January 2016, starting at 5.45pm.
The Warren W1 games area as it was in 2013
The Warren refurbished and relaunched January 2016
John Davies, Head of Sustainability at Derwent London, commented:
“We are delighted to extend our community funding programme in Fitzrovia and now into the Tech Belt area. Again, working together with the local community, we look forward to supporting a range of local projects over the next few years. We are also excited to see the completion of the new games area at The Warren, providing a much-needed enhanced amenity for Fitzrovia.”
*The Tech Belt is defined here as the area extending from King's Cross to Whitechapel, largely covering EC1 and E1 postcodes.
Background on the Derwent London Fitzrovia Community Fund
During 2012, Derwent London commissioned an extensive research and community engagement programme called ‘Understanding Fitzrovia’ which helped identify the issues most important to local residents. The findings of the study enabled the Group to develop a community investment strategy with a commitment of £250,000 towards initiatives in the Fitzrovia community over a three year period (inclusive of £50,000 towards fees and contingencies). Launched in May 2013, the investment areas identified include supporting improvements to public spaces and street environments, community programmes and events and activities around arts and culture.
To complement the Fitzrovia community funding programme, Derwent London also launched a staff volunteering scheme in 2013 to enable employees to contribute their time and skills to some of the projects. In December 2013, October 2014 and October 2015, Derwent London staff took part in Fitzrovia Youth in Action/City Gateway 'Speed Networking' events which saw young people meet professionals to ask questions, share experiences and provide valuable information on working life.
Organisations funded so far:
2013:
Fitzrovia Community Centre - for creating a community garden at the Fitzrovia Community Centre including a pop-up café and gallery.
Fitzrovia Youth in Action - for the resurfacing of The Warren sports pitch and setting up a local football league. The work completed in 2016.
All Souls Primary School - for running lunch and after-school clubs and parenting classes.
All Souls Clubhouse - for the Wednesday Lunch Club for older people.
Fitzrovia Trust - for replanting the garden at the Fitzrovia Nursery.
2014:
Fitzrovia Noir - An art project portraying streetlife in Fitzrovia.
Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Association - Positive Health exercise and massage project for Bangladeshi and elderly women.
Upbeat Music - Songs inspired by Dylan Thomas - music project for people with mental health issues.
All Souls Clubhouse - Supporting their ClubCare project and providing new kitchen facilities. ww
All Souls Primary School - Learning together through technology - photography project for children.
Women Like Us - From Playground to Payslip – supporting Fitzrovia parents to combine work and family life.
ARTfitzrovia - Taking the next steps – expanding the community project that provides a safe place for homeless and vulnerably housed people to meet and develop their art.
2015:
Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Association – Positive Health exercise and massage project for Bangladeshi and elderly women.
Fitzrovia Youth in Action –Community events programme
Upbeat Music & Mental Health – Streets of London music workshop and showcase for people with mental health issues.
All Souls Clubhouse – After school football club & Clubkicks
Fitzrovia Centre – Arts programme for young children and older people
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