Smith’s Farm Community Centre, in Hotspur Road, Northolt, has been given a much-need update with a full exterior refurbishment.

The centre now has new double-glazed windows and doors, as well as insulated cladding and drainpipes. In addition to improving the aesthetics of the centre, the work has also made the building better insulated and more energy efficient to run.

Along with the outside renovations, the hub is also set to receive an internal makeover to the kitchen and toilet facilities.

During the coronavirus lockdowns, the community centre’s food bank supplied food parcels to hundreds of people throughout the borough. The centre also runs several community initiatives, including men’s evenings and a knife crime awareness programme for local young people, and classes including zumba and yoga. The centre is also a hub for social gatherings for the elderly and a Tiny Tots group. The hall is let for private events, with the income used to fund activities like day trips to the seaside for residents.

Councillor Lauren Wall, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for genuinely affordable homes, said: “These renovations have ensured that this fantastic space can continue to play a key role at the heart of the community. By meeting the ongoing need for community space in the area, the centre helps Northolt continue to thrive as a diverse and inclusive neighbourhood. The centre looks great, and I encourage local people to check out its makeover.”

Jen Lock, Smith’s Farm’s voluntary manager, said: “We are delighted that the centre has been refurbished. We remained open throughout the pandemic to local people, which is testament to its importance in the community. We continue to run our foodbank and offer a number of activities like clubs, coffee mornings and day trips for all.”

If you would like to hire the community centre, call Jen on 020 3583 0684 or email smithsfarm.cc@hotmail.com, or visit the Smith’s Farm Facebook page for more information.