New name for Ham community centre

We are delighted to reveal that the new community centre, part of the £7m regeneration of Ham Close, will be called The Hive. The name was chosen with the involvement of our community.

This name was chosen thanks to the participation of over 1200 local people, with a significant portion being young people from local schools. The voting highlights the importance of involving community in shaping a more vibrant environment.

The Hive was shortlisted by members and young people from Ham Youth Club from a long list curated by young people and community groups in Ham. Capturing the centre's purpose, the name showcases the spirit of what we aim to achieve - a bustling hub of activity, bringing people together and serving the community.

This project is a testament to what can be achieved when collaborating with residents and partners, as we worked closely with Achieving for Children (AfC), ensuring that the voices of young people were fully represented by the name of the new space . The partnership has been key in creating a space that reflects the ambitions and the needs of the local community, showcasing our commitment to investing in a brighter future for Ham.

The new community centre will replace the existing Ham Youth Centre. It will be managed by AfC and will offer tuition and an alternative curriculum programme for school students who are struggling with mainstream education during the day and then youth club activities after 3pm. It will also provide a variety of activities for teenagers including arts, sport, music and ICT. This approach will ensure that the centre caters to a wide range of needs, providing a supportive environment for learning and development. The Hive will additionally be available for use by the local community outside of the youth club operating hours and will be considered as a future Family Hub, providing the opportunity for it to serve as a versatile and inclusive space for all.

The Ham Close regeneration project represents a major investment in the community, with nearly £7 million committed by the Council to improve community facilities. This significant financial commitment demonstrates the Council’s dedication to improving community infrastructure and services. It forms part of a larger redevelopment of Ham Close working in partnership with Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP). The ambitious plan includes the provision of 452 new homes, all existing social/affordable housing will be re-provided with an additional 78 affordable housing homes. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the area, providing high-quality housing and state-of-the-art community spaces for all residents.