Islington's Ringcross Community Centre Remains Closed, Future Uncertain
The Ringcross Community Centre, located off Caledonian Road in Islington, has been boarded up for approximately five months, leaving local residents without a key hub for activities and support. The centre, which previously hosted essential services such as children's sports classes and a food bank, was abruptly closed in September when the charity managing it, The Pilion Trust, went into administration.
Ownership and Delays in Reopening
While The Pilion Trust operated the centre, the building is owned by the housing association Hyde. The future of the Ringcross Community Centre now rests with Hyde, which has indicated that several steps must be taken before any long-term decisions are made. Efforts to reopen the facility have been further complicated by an incident in December, when squatters gained access to the building. Hyde has since taken legal action to evict them and secure the premises.
A spokesperson for Hyde stated, "The Ringcross Community Centre has been closed since September 2025 after the Pilion Trust, who ran the centre, stopped operating. In December, a group of squatters gained access to the centre. As soon as we became aware of this, we took swift legal action to gain possession of the building, which we've now secured. We're currently in the process of assessing the condition of the building to consider next steps."
Community Impact and Advocacy
The closure has had a significant impact on the local community, particularly on organizations that relied on the centre. One such group is MMA RAP (Mixed Martial Arts For Reform And Progression), an accessible martial arts program that previously used the Ringcross facility. The group has since relocated to the Whittington Community Centre.
Jonathan Buffong, founder of MMA RAP, expressed his concerns, saying, "Ringcross has been very supportive over the last decade, but we live in a capital city so it's all about money. It's a loss to the people in the community – there are young people out there committing crimes and being groomed, and there's nothing for them to attend where they feel unified. Some people don't want to be at home, so they want to at least go to a community centre or an environment where they feel welcome."
Islington councillor Heather Staff emphasized the importance of community spaces, noting, "I hope [Hyde] know that their local councillors are on it. For us, it's about making sure they get the best possible use of that space for the community, and we have stressed strongly that they have to consult with residents on that. You can do a lot online now, but it doesn't replace that face to face. Community spaces are so important for that."
Looking Ahead
As Hyde assesses the building's condition, local officials and community members remain hopeful that the Ringcross Community Centre will be restored to its former role. The centre's closure highlights broader issues regarding the availability of community resources in urban areas, where financial pressures often lead to the loss of vital services. The ongoing advocacy by councillors and residents underscores the critical need for accessible, welcoming spaces that foster community cohesion and support.
