A determined group of residents in North London is attempting to purchase a long-empty council building to transform it into a vibrant, community-owned hub, preventing it from falling into private hands or disrepair.
A Fight Against Dereliction
Campaigners living on the Tower Gardens Estate in North Tottenham, Haringey, are spearheading the effort to acquire the three-storey Edwardian building, which most recently housed a Sure Start centre. The local authority, Haringey Council, has placed the property on its list of assets for sale, prompting fears that it could be bought by a developer and left to rot.
Karen Loasby, a two-decade resident of the borough, explained the community's concern. "Our worry is, because it's in a conservation area and needs a lot of work, that a developer who buys it for residential use wouldn't be able to easily make a profit," she said. "There's a real nervousness that somebody will put in an inappropriate planning application and then just sit on it, or board it up."
Vision for a 'Public Living Room'
Alongside project chair Kate Swade, Karen is championing a vision for a people-led centre to inject 'much-needed love' into the estate. Their ambitious plans for the space include:
- Community events and group meals.
- Wellbeing activities and art exhibitions.
- A "public living room" for local connection.
"We have a lot of residents that find it really hard to travel further to spaces outside the estate," Karen noted, highlighting the need for those with young children, older residents, and people with disabilities. "We already have a really great building. It's got an accessible entrance, a lift, toilets, kitchen facilities, outdoor space. But we know that once the building's gone, there's no alternative space and we won't be able to get it back."
Council's Financial Emergency and a Glimmer of Hope
The campaign gained traction in December 2024 when the council offered the group a viewing. They were pleasantly surprised to find the first and second floors in a usable condition. However, hopes were dampened in June 2025 when the building was confirmed as up for sale.
The group acknowledges the severe financial pressures on Haringey Council, which faced a £38 million deficit at the end of the 2024-2025 financial year. Council leader Peray Ahmet has previously described the situation as a "financial emergency".
"We are sympathetic to the fact that Haringey's really poorly funded," said Kate Swade. "It would be a win-win situation for us to be able to raise the money and buy it rather than them putting it into private hands. I do believe that's what they want."
This belief is supported by the council's actions. Councillor Ruth Gordon, cabinet member for placemaking and local economy, stated: "We have been working proactively with the Community Corner Group... A letter of support has been provided, and we will continue to provide advice and help in any way we can."
The campaigners have now launched a fundraiser to cover initial costs like a condition survey and business plan, while also seeking grants for refurbishment, starting with the original roof. They are urging the wider Haringey community to get involved.
"The world is a really scary place at the moment, and everything can feel like an uphill battle," Kate concluded. "We need more infrastructure for people to connect and there's so much potential here. Why not give it a go?"
