Community hub in Waltham Forest to become permanent

Residents and local people in Waltham Forest will soon have a permanent space to meet, learn and spend time together, as the community space at Salisbury Manor Primary School becomes a long-term hub. 

Published: 16/02/2026

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Since September, part of the school on Burnside Avenue has been home to a wide range of activities after sessions moved there from the nearby Paradox Centre.  

Families, young people and older residents have come together there to learn new skills, stay active and spend time with neighbours.

Work is now under way to turn the temporary set-up into a permanent community hub, creating a welcoming space for local people to try a range of classes and workshops.

Peabody Community Foundation (PCF), our charitable arm, is working in partnership with United Communities and Salisbury Manor Primary School on the transformation.

The hub supports activities that help people stay well, build confidence and connect with others. Recent sessions have included tai chi, yoga and ballroom dancing, as well as English and maths classes. Children and young people have taken part in dance, performing arts, play groups, youth clubs and karate.

Nineteen local groups have helped shape the plans. This has helped make sure the space works well for the people who use it.

Improvements include a separate entrance for the hub, new kitchen facilities and toilets, and a redesigned layout. The changes will make the space more comfortable, accessible and easier to use.

PCF has coordinated support from corporate partners to carry out the work at no cost to the school. It is also providing funding to help furnish the hub and support running costs.

The work is being completed with support from a range of our social value partners, including Greyline, FFT, Peabody Group Maintenance, Purdy Contracts, Milverdene, Bluelime and Fixatex. 

To allow the work to take place, the hub will close for around eight weeks from Monday 16 February. It is expected to reopen during the week beginning Monday 13 April.

While the hub is closed, some sessions will move to other venues where possible. Others will pause and restart when the space reopens.

Get in touch

For updates on activities during the closure, please contact Ellie Ward, Community Investment Lead, ellie.ward@peabody.org.uk.