We are thrilled to have been awarded a £663,100 grant from The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, led by Historic England and funded by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS).
This vital investment will support the final phase of restoration work on the Greenhouse Centre, our incredible community hub and Grade II* listed building in the heart of Westminster.
Closed since 2021 for urgent repairs, the Centre is now on track to reopen in 2026 thanks to this funding support. We are proud to be one of just two organisations in London to receive support through today’s announcement of £15 million in national funding from Historic England and DCMS.
The need to reopen the Centre has never been greater: Child poverty in London is 31% higher than the national average, affecting more than 800,000 children. Youth services have been cut by £1.1 billion since 2010 (a real term fall of 74%), with 30% of London youth clubs closing between 2010 and 2019.
Our restored Centre will directly respond to these challenges, offering a safe, inspiring, and fully accessible space for young people and the community.
Our team of Coach-Mentors, working alongside partners, will deliver a full programme of free sessions before, during and after school. These sessions will focus on building confidence, life skills, resilience, and wellbeing – creating a sense of belonging and opportunity in one of London’s most disadvantaged areas within the stunning heritage setting.
Maria, our Head Coach-Mentor at the Greenhouse Centre, said:
“I’m delighted by Historic England and DCMS’ support. We’re so excited to get the Centre up and running again. When it was open, the Centre was a bustling, joyful place – it truly was our community’s home. It was their space. We can’t wait to bring that energy back to life, serving not only our Greenhouse Sports young people but also the wider local community who need and deserve a place like this.”
Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England, said: “Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes. This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the nation’s most disadvantaged areas. We’re thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it’s needed most.”
Heritage Minister, Baroness Twycross said: “Our extraordinary heritage weaves together the stories that define who we are as communities and as a nation. We are delivering on our Plan for Change, through the Heritage at Risk Fund, by breathing new life into treasured places, buildings and monuments across the country, helping to increase opportunities and ensuring that future generations have access to our rich heritage.”
Like Historic England and DCMS, we care about the spaces and places that communities can access. For people in deprived communities, these spaces are even more vital. Thanks to this grant, we are one step closer to reopening the Centre to the local community and the 8,500 young people we support through our school programmes each year.