The capital’s new LGBTQ+ Community Centre has opened its doors for a six-month trial period.
It is tucked away next to Blackfriars Station. Billed as an accessible intergenerational and intersectional centre, those behind it are keen to provide a space that “feels like home”.
Director Angus Waite said “part of this whole project is about creating more acceptance within the community and providing a beacon for everyone in London to see how amazing our community is.”
The project received £100,000 in crowdfunding in 2018 and with additional support from National Lottery has created a flexible sober space. The centre has a cafe, social area and quiet room, all of which can be used by LGBTQ+ community groups.
They hope to provide activities, workshops and support in the form of mental health and sexual health services.
The space itself was created by volunteer architect Martha Summers and a team of LGBTQ+ builders. Summers said she found it “refreshing to design a space in a more queer way” and that is “for the community to make their own”.
The pop up is a proof of concept for a more permanent space, where the team hope they will refine the wants and needs of the community.
Trustee, Chloe Davies said they want to use the “six months to really work out a blueprint of who we hope to be in our permanent space”.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also voiced his support for the group.
He said: “It has never been more important to have a safe, inclusive, all-day space for all LGBTQ+ communities to be themselves, reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.”
The Mayor added he will “do all I can to transform it into a permanent space”.
