Community hub in Waltham Forest to become permanent

Residents of all ages in Waltham Forest will soon gain a permanent place to meet, learn and spend time together, as a 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 hosted a wide range of local activities. Sessions moved there from the nearby Paradox Centre and have been used by families, young people and older residents for classes, workshops and community gatherings.

Work is now under way to turn the temporary set-up into a permanent community hub. This will provide a dedicated home for activities and events throughout the year.

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 focused on health and wellbeing, learning, family support and bringing neighbours together. 

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.

To allow improvement 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.

Improvements shaped by local groups

Nineteen local groups already using the space have helped shape the plans to make it work better for long-term use.

Improvements include a separate entrance for the community hub, new kitchen facilities and toilets, and a redesigned layout.

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

While the hub is closed, alternative venues have been arranged where possible for some sessions. Other activities will pause and restart when the hub reopens.

Sarah Morton, Community Investment Manager at Peabody, said: “Ching Way has such a strong community spirit. It’s built by local volunteers and partners who really care about this neighbourhood. Having a permanent hub here means people will have a welcoming space to come together and keep that spirit growing. It’s amazing what can happen when the school, Peabody, local partners and our social value partners all come together for the good of the community.”

Emily Curtis, Principal of Salisbury Manor Primary School, said: 
“We're proud of all that’s happened here so far and excited to see what we can achieve together once these works are completed. The upgrades will help make the Hub brighter and more accessible. They’ve been designed with the groups who use the space and will support an even wider range of community sessions in the future.”  

Charlie Chan, Director of United Communities, said: “We love seeing what becomes possible when schools, communities and local partners come together. It’s a joy to support Peabody and Salisbury Manor as they develop a space for residents to connect and take action on things they care about.”

Get in touch 

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