Community Venue Network : A New Chapter for Culture

Havering has reached a major milestone for culture, creativity, and community life across the borough, backed by a £150,000 capital fund investment being distributed across Community Venue Network (CVN) partner spaces. This funding will help venues improve accessibility, upgrade facilities, and strengthen what they can offer local residents – ensuring more people can access high-quality creative activity close to home. After months of listening, research, and conversations with local people and organisations, the founding members of the Community Venue Network have now been officially established.

By supporting venues to refresh their spaces and expand opportunities, the CVN is building a new infrastructure for connection, creativity, and community-led change. The aim is simple: ensure every resident can access meaningful cultural activity within 15 minutes of where they live. The network spans Havering, including Romford, Hornchurch, Elm Park, North Ockendon, Harold Hill, Rainham, Collier Row, and Upminster – reflecting the diversity and creative energy of the borough.

We’re thrilled to introduce the 13 founding partner organisations:

• Appleby Gallery
• Fairkytes Arts Centre
• Havering Asian Social & Welfare Association
• Havering Museum
• Hope Café
• Lumiere Cinema
• MyPlace Youth and Community Centre
• New City College
• ROYALS Youth Centre
• Sapphire Jubilee Community Centre
• St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub
• St Mary Magdalene Church
• Thames Chase Forest Centre

Each venue brings something unique – from arts and heritage to wellbeing, youth work, film, faith, nature, and grassroots community action. Together, they represent the creativity, resilience, and ambition that define Havering’s cultural landscape.

The Journey Begins
On 28 November, partners gathered for the first CVN meeting at Havering Museum. In person, they shared their stories, explored the future of culture in Havering, and began to shape the network’s next steps. Founding partners are united by a shared vision; stronger collaboration, wider access to culture, and thriving community spaces. Ian Weir, Building Manager at MyPlace Youth and Community Centre, said the network offers “opportunities for skills sharing, access to funding, a stronger collective voice, and meaningful connections”, while Manjit K Singh from Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association highlighted the importance of inclusion, with the CVN helping to “create welcoming spaces for people from all backgrounds can connect, learn and belong.” Spencer Hawken of Lumiere Cinema is excited to build on their “huge potential to host events and performances that serve local groups and vulnerable communities who often have less access to arts and culture”, with the CVN helping Lumiere to offer even more to local residents.

Tilly Wheate from Thames Chase Forest Centre emphasised the value of partnership, while James Taylor at Fairkytes Arts Centre is “excited by the prospect of more inclusive access to creative and cultural activity”. Appleby Gallery and New City College bothhighlighted collaboration as key to supporting local artists and ensuring residents enjoy access to high-quality creative experiences.

The Community Venue Network is just getting started. Residents can look forward to a growing programme of inspiring activity close to home, from creative workshops and cultural events to community gatherings and new opportunities to learn, connect, and take part.

Discover your local venues on Saturday 21 March with  A Good Life Day, a day-long of free arts and culture taking place across Community Venue Network venues.