In a recent study conducted by think tank Foundation for Future London, it has been revealed that the borough of Brent has closed 13 council-run community spaces between 2018 and 2023. This comes as part of a larger trend across London, where a total of 46 community spaces have been permanently shut down in the last five years, averaging nearly 10 closures per year.
The data, obtained through Freedom of Information requests, highlights the current state of community spaces in the capital. Despite the closures, there are still 1,758 community spaces currently open in London. However, the closure rate surpasses the opening rate, with Brent facing the highest number of closures at 13, while only four new spaces have been opened.
Brent is not alone in this trend, as other boroughs like Barnet, Havering, Newham, Hillingdon, and Lewisham have also closed more spaces than they have opened since 2018.
The study is part of the Foundation for Future London’s Empowering Safer Spaces campaign, which aims to delve into young people’s perceptions of current community spaces in London. This campaign, conducted in partnership with Westfield Stratford City, seeks to initiate discussions with the government, companies, and academics regarding the crucial role community spaces play in the city.
With the growing closures, there is a pressing need to address the decline in safe spaces and services across London. The Foundation hopes that this research will contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the importance of community spaces and lead to concrete action to preserve and create new spaces for the benefit of all residents.