Hackney charities to take over Colvestone Primary School building

Key Points:

• Hackney charities and organisations have launched a bid to take over the former Colvestone Primary School building.
• The council has listed the building as an asset of community value (ACV), allowing locals to bid for the property before any private sale.
• The consortium’s proposal aims to repurpose the site as a creative and cultural hub to prevent deterioration and reduce costs for the council.
• The group includes Pollock’s Toy Museum, Julian Joseph’s Music Hub, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, and musician Samuel Shepherd (Floating Points).
• The proposal includes offering art, music, furniture, and clothes-making lessons, alongside recycling initiatives.
• Hackney Council closed Colvestone Primary School and three other schools in August 2024 due to declining pupil numbers. More closures are planned for 2025.
• Councillor Robert Chapman stated the council is exploring sustainable uses for former school sites while community groups must prove their viability.

Why Are Hackney Groups Bidding for the Former Colvestone Primary School?

Hackney charities and organisations have proposed transforming the old Colvestone Primary School into a creative and cultural hub.

The bid follows the building’s recognition as an asset of community value (ACV) under the Localism Act 2011, which grants local groups the right to bid for properties listed by the council.

The consortium argues that reoccupying the site early would prevent deterioration and reduce maintenance costs for the council. The proposal includes interim or long-term leasing options to allow organisations to use the space while its future is decided.

Hackney charities to take over Colvestone Primary School building.

Hackney charities and organisations have launched a bid to take over the former Colvestone Primary School building.

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Who Is Involved in the Colvestone School Takeover Bid?

A consortium of local groups and residents, including Pollock’s Toy Museum, Julian Joseph’s Music Hub, and Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, are behind the initiative.

The group also features businesses and individuals, such as Mercury Prize-nominated musician Samuel Shepherd (Floating Points). Their plans include offering lessons in art, music, furniture-making, and clothes-making, as well as promoting recycling and sustainability.

The initiative aims to preserve the architectural and educational heritage of the site while creating community benefits.

Why Was Colvestone Primary School Closed?

Hackney Council closed Colvestone Primary School and three others in August 2024 due to falling pupil numbers.

The closures reflect a broader trend in London, where rising housing costs are driving young families out of the city. Further closures are expected in August 2025.

The council has faced criticism for leaving former school buildings vacant, which risks deterioration and imposes maintenance costs.

What Is Hackney Council’s Response to the Proposal?

Hackney Council has acknowledged the bid but stated that the groups must demonstrate their ability to make the site sustainable.

Councillor Robert Chapman, cabinet member for finance, said the council is committed to finding the best use for former school sites. However, he added that any change in use would require the consent of the Secretary of State.

In the meantime, the council is developing its own plans for the site and others in the borough.

What Does the Asset of Community Value (ACV) Status Mean?

Listing the building as an ACV gives the community the right to bid for it before any private sale takes place.

Under the Localism Act 2011, a moratorium period is triggered, allowing local groups time to raise funds and submit a viable proposal.

This status ensures that properties like the former Colvestone Primary School are given an opportunity to serve community purposes rather than being sold outright to private developers.

What Are the Broader Implications of This Proposal?

The Colvestone School bid highlights wider challenges, including funding cuts for councils and the affordability crisis in London.

The consortium’s co-ordinator, Bill Parry-Davies, said: “Schools are closing as a result of London becoming unaffordable for young families, [and] councils are being starved of government funds.”

He emphasised the importance of preserving the architectural, educational, and social heritage of former school sites through community-led initiatives.

The outcome of this bid could set a precedent for how other disused public buildings in Hackney are repurposed in the future.