London, (19 September, 2025) Georgia Gould, MP for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale, joined Emma Squire (incoming Chief Executive (job-share), Historic England), Cllr Aicha Less (Church Street Ward, Westminster City Council), and representatives from Greenhouse Sports at the Greenhouse Centre, NW1, to see how investment from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund (HARCF) is helping bring a London landmark community space back to life.
The Greenhouse Centre, a Grade II* listed former church, has received £663,100 from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund to complete essential repairs and upgrades so it can safely reopen as a thriving hub for local people. The 200-year-old building, home to charity Greenhouse Sports, has been closed for several years while extensive work has taken place. Funding is now supporting the final phase, including structural reinforcement of the main floor and new fire protection systems.
The visit included a tour of the Centre led by Greenhouse Sports, where guests saw progress on site and learned how the project will restore a valued heritage building while creating free-to-access sports and mentoring sessions run by full-time Coach-Mentors. These programmes are designed to create belonging, build life skills, and improve confidence, resilience, and wellbeing for young people and the wider community.
The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund is a £15 million programme funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and delivered by Historic England, aimed at rescuing 37 at-risk heritage sites across England. Priority is given to projects in disadvantaged communities, helping to create jobs, boost pride in place, and improve wellbeing. The Greenhouse Centre is one of only two London projects to benefit, alongside St Mary’s Church in Somers Town.
Emma Squire CBE, incoming Chief Executive (job-share) Historic England, said:
“We were delighted to work with Greenhouse Sports, to show Georgia Gould MP and Cllr Aicha Less how Historic England’s investment in the Greenhouse Centre is helping to restore this beautiful building. It’s a shining example of how heritage can be reimagined to serve communities today, creating pride in place and opportunities for young people.”
Georgia Gould MP for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale, said:
“It was fantastic to see the work that the Greenhouse Centre and Historic England are doing to conserve this historic building. The Centre is set to become a place where young people can thrive, building confidence and resilience in a safe and inspiring environment right in the heart of our community.”
Don Barrell, CEO of Greenhouse Sports, added:
“The Greenhouse Centre is more than just a building – it’s a place where young people facing real challenges are given the support and opportunities they deserve. Thanks to Historic England and the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we can complete the restoration and reopen the Centre as a beacon of hope for the local community.”
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