Introduction to Colvestone Primary School
Community groups in East London have unveiled their latest plans to transform the old Colvestone Primary School building into a “landmark” cultural and educational hub. The school, which was closed by Hackney Council in 2024 due to a collapse in pupil numbers, has been listed as an Asset of Community Value. This listing has sparked a campaign from locals who want to keep the building in the hands of the community.
The Vision for Colvestone Co-Lab
A group of Hackney charities, businesses, and non-profits have submitted their vision for how they would “revitalise” the empty historic school site as ‘Colvestone Co-Lab’, a community space that would offer creative workshops, performances, and artist studios. They have created a website, and locals interested in backing the idea can sign up for free as a supporter. The trust will become the site’s landholder and lease it out to organisations and businesses to provide lessons in art, music, furniture, clothes-making, recycling, and more.
The History of Colvestone Primary School
The Grade-II listed Colvestone School was built in 1862 and has a rich history in the community. The school’s “stunning” main hall could become an “inclusive arts venue” under the group’s plans. Architect and local resident Judith Stichtenoth said she hoped the building’s main hall could be used for arts and music events.
The Grade-II listed Colvestone School was built in 1862
(Image: dRMM)
The Plans for Colvestone Co-Lab
The consortium added that 260 people had already signed up as supporters of the Colvestone Co-Lab vision. Colvestone was registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) after the school shut down in 2024. Under the Localism Act 2011, once buildings are listed as ACVs with the local authority, the community has a right to bid for the property if the council decides to sell it. This triggers a moratorium period to allow locals to raise funds to purchase the building before any private sale takes place.
Local Stakeholders
Local stakeholders involved in the bid include Pollock’s Toy Museum, Julian Joseph’s Music Hub, and artist collective V22. The latter recently purchased their studio block from Hackney Council after it moved to sell the deteriorating building off and keep it as an affordable arts space. V22 relaunched the block as the Ashwin Art Centre in September. Musician and producer Sam Shepard, aka Floating Points, is also understood to be supporting the plans for a music hub at the Colvestone site.
Colvestone’s ‘stunning’ main hall has been mooted as a new arts and music venue under the group’s plans
(Image: dRMM)
Council Response
The council said it received a large number of proposals for the use of the former school site. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Service said this showed how important these “historical” buildings remained. “We’re committed to keeping the communities who are invested in the future of these buildings informed and we will share further information as soon as we can,” he said.
Colvestone School was shut by Hackney Council in 2024 after a fall in pupil numbers
(Image: Courtesy Colvestone Co-Lab)
Next Steps
The Town Hall said it was not able to offer a timeline for judging the many submissions at this time, but any proposals which were not demonstrably financially viable would not be taken forward. Readers can find out more about the Colvestone Co-Lab plans at Colvestone.org.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the plans for Colvestone Co-Lab are an exciting opportunity for the community to come together and create a vibrant cultural and educational hub. The project has the potential to bring numerous benefits to the area, including providing a space for creative workshops, performances, and artist studios. With the support of local stakeholders and the community, Colvestone Co-Lab could become a landmark destination in East London.
FAQs
Q: What is Colvestone Co-Lab?
A: Colvestone Co-Lab is a community-led project to transform the old Colvestone Primary School building into a cultural and educational hub.
Q: What kind of activities will be offered at Colvestone Co-Lab?
A: The hub will offer creative workshops, performances, and artist studios, as well as lessons in art, music, furniture, clothes-making, recycling, and more.
Q: Who is behind the Colvestone Co-Lab project?
A: The project is led by a group of Hackney charities, businesses, and non-profits, with the support of local stakeholders and the community.
Q: What is the current status of the project?
A: The project is currently in the planning stages, with the trust awaiting a decision from the council on their proposal.
Q: How can I get involved with Colvestone Co-Lab?
A: You can sign up as a supporter on the Colvestone Co-Lab website, and stay up to date with the latest news and developments on the project.
