About the Organisation
Established in 1975 the Ensign Youth Club , is a dynamic community organisation that specifically engages with young people from different parts of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It does this through indoor and outdoor recreational activities, thus developing active young people who are confident, independent, and have a strong affinity for the community in which they live by providing various programmes and activities.
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets, is ranked as one of the most socially deprived boroughs in the UK, in spite of bordering the city. The Ensign sits at the heart of the community, bordering the affluent Canary Wharf, along with Tower Hill. The new centre opened in 1989 a purpose-built modern centre with two main function halls, the first equipped with a climbing wall and a badminton court with access to the garden through French doors. The second hall is smaller and is frequently used for several recreational activities for younger children as well as meetings.
The centre today continues with the same tradition it started with, serving young people with creative activities within the confines of a safe and secure place, supervised by qualified youth workers. These activities support social inclusion and are delivered by working with the local authority and partnership with other organisations.
Request details
The charity was originally permitted to build the centre on local authority land entering into a lease agreement until 2046. Last year the charity approached the LA with regards to extending the lease or purchasing the freehold which triggered a ‘rent review’ by the council leading to the charity being asked for a significant amount of money and a 6,600% rent increase. The charity has also become aware that the area is being pitched for redevelopment.
The charity would appreciate urgent support with a rent valuation to support with lease negotiations providing the best possible chance of securing a much needed youth service in the locality.
Timeline
URGENT.