Work starts at Mulalley’s new site hub

Thursday 17 December 2009

Demolition work to refurbish a former 1930s social club in Commerce Road, N22, is underway by Homes for Haringey’s Decent Homes building contractor, Mulalley.

Having lain derelict for a number of years, the 300m2 (7000 sq ft) site was identified as having excellent potential as an office site base for contractors carrying out decent homes work in the area. The local community will be able to use the other half of the building.

Councillor Bevan helps Mulalley with makeover of social hub site

The new and refurbished centre will be officially opened in Spring 2010. Although there is one main entrance, the two main internal areas will be separate. As part of the refurbishment, Cllr John Bevan, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, joined Homes for Haringey’s Asset Management team and resident representatives  to ceremoniously knock down the first internal wall, on Thursday 3rd December 2009.

The extensive restoration programme at the site hub includes:

  • Electrical rewiring throughout the building including new ventilation and heating systems
  • Cavity wall insulation and brick repairs
  • Replacing six roofs
  • New double glazed windows
  • Installation of a new kitchen in the community area
  • Hardwood  timber flooring throughout
  • Installation of new tarmac, pathways, fencing and signage
  • Conforming to DDA and building regulations compliance.

A respite area will also be incorporated into the building for local residents to pop in for a chat and refreshments while their homes are being refurbished. A sample kitchen and bathroom will be on permanent display for the residents to view.

Once the decent homes programme is finished, the entire building will be handed over to the community. Cllr Bevan, Cabinet Member of Housing Services, said: “Following months of consultation with the local community, it is good to see the contractors on site. This is the third community space in the borough, funded by Homes for Haringey’s decent homes programme, and we are all very keen to see this building back in community use.”

Mulalley start work on Commerce Road site hub

Ola Akinfe, Executive Director of Asset Management, Homes for Haringey added: “This situation will benefit everyone involved. Mulalley will have a proper site office for the duration of the decent homes works and, more importantly, local residents will have the benefit of a fully refurbished building for community use.”

From the outset, Homes for Haringey consulted and shared ideas with local residents and Haringey Council’s Neighbourhood team who sit on the Decent Homes steering group committee. Local residents are being encouraged to enter a competition to name the new centre with Mulalley donating prizes for the best suggestions.

Bruce Benson, Operations Director of Mulalley, added: “It is reallygreat to see the benefits that long-term partneringcan bring to the community. This community centre will provide a legacy that the local community can utilise and enjoy long after the Decent Homes Programme is complete.”

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