After 5 years of refurbishment the Grade II listed Country Manor Style House in Beckenham, has been fully restored by Citygate Church for the use of the community and renamed Venue 28. Citygate Church took it upon themselves to turn the unused and debilitated building into a space for all the vibrant and culturally diverse community of Beckenham to use at their leisure in response to the Councils decision to stop supporting it.
Featuring conference rooms, function halls and a dance studio the revamped Venue 28 has something for everyone. On Sunday the 23rd of April Venue 28 hosted the ‘Remade makers market’ event with So Last Century, south-east London’s Vintage & Retro Fair. The Market boasted over 50 handpicked independent traders selling vintage furniture, jewellery, records, prints and paintings. Additionally, a selection of street food stalls, local craft beer and a tea room with scrumptious scones and cakes were present along with music provided by a vinyl record DJ. Peter Spencer a graphic design artist exhibiting his work at the event said, ‘I think it’s a good use of the building’ and ‘it’s great to have the market indoors as well so you can browse and have a cup of tea, instead of being out in the cold.’ Gaylene, another trader showcasing her wares said, ‘it really meets the need here for a central place to build strong community links and host regular activities’ and ‘it’s great to have places like this around which help independent traders like us thrive.’
The market which brings the best local produce, traders and artists to Beckenham is just one of the many events taking place at Venue 28. Along with markets and fairs such as these you can participate in weekly creative arts classes, theatre performances, dance classes, Pilates and yoga. Through hosting these numerous events, classes and shows weeklong that bring together residents, small groups and local businesses Venue 28 can play a key role in providing a space to meet people, engage in activities, get involved and strengthen Beckenham as a local community. The opening of this great space with freshly painted walls and high ceilings is a brilliant opportunity and one that the citizens of Beckenham should all take advantage of.
Amelia Mielniczek
Bromley High School
