In 2014 Lewisham Council signed over the playing field on Abbotshall Road to Community Teachsport on a 25 year lease, at a peppercorn rent. In partnership with the Archibald Corbett Society funds were raised to build the centre and in 2015 the the old pavilion and changing rooms were demolished and replaced by the new community building and gardens you see here today. Sadly in 2018 Community Teachsport gave up the lease and Lewisham council again initiated the tender process. A group of local volunteers including members of the Corbett Residents' Association, local parents, business owners, creatives and centre users formed a committee with the aim of keeping the centre doors open to the community. A crowdfunder campaign raised funds to keep the centre running in the interim. The board applied for and achieved charity status in 2019 and after a public consultation submitted the winning proposal to Lewisham Council, finally securing the future of the centre for the community in early 2020. Despite the challenges this year has held for us all, we can look forward to exciting times at the centre. This is a community led initiative and its future will rely on us the community taking ownership and using the facilities and encouraging friends and neighbours to do the same. If you have ideas of what you’d like to see at the centre or you’re interested in running class, group, fundraiser or community event GREAT we would love to hear from you. Remember the centre is a registered charity, so if you have a skill, materials or time to volunteer, or you have knowledge of any companies/organisations offering support or funding opportunities please do get in touch. hello@abbotshallhlc.com
