Dozens of visitors gathered to celebrate the grand opening of The Lounge, in Nest Way, on Wednesday 14 January. The new pop-up venue, a commercial unit provided by Peabody, opened its doors with a special drop-in event for local youngsters and other local stakeholders.
Attendees enjoyed performances, activities and food – and were able to find out more about the upcoming programme of creative workshops, skills-building activities and community events running from the space over the winter months.
Residents aged 14 to 25 are now excited about the prospect of using The Lounge regularly. A full programme of activities run by well-known youth groups will run until the end of March.
The pop-up space has been designed by a talented team of local young makers and designers. Ayomipo Odedina, Rhiana Ball, Juliet Agbolade, May Mbabazi, Elizabeth Oyeniran, Michael Mandzondzo, Spirit-Gigi Lansiquot, Oyin Fujah, Vanessa Chu, Tara Tembong, Jumai Rodriguez and Varani Munidasa were paid the London Living Wage for their time.
The young makers have learned design skills, engaged with their peers, and ultimately created a safe, inclusive and inspiring space that reflects young people’s needs.
Rhiana Ball said: “I feel great about the space. I like how we’ve been given somewhere for young people to come together and learn life skills. I think it’s important that young people can learn these things instead of going down a different route in life.”
The group turned out in force on the night to welcome visitors and talk about their involvement.
May Mbabazi said: “We’ve worked so hard, and to see it come to life is amazing. It’s a really nice feeling and it’s a proud feeling.”
The young makers teamed up with creative consultancy Beyond the Box CIC to create The Lounge.
Neil Onions, Director of Beyond the Box, said: “It’s been incredible to see so many people come together for the opening of this new youth space. Tonight is a real testament to the creativity, insight and commitment of the young people who designed it.
“Shaped through lived experience and listening to their peers, this space reflects what happens when young people are trusted to lead. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve created.”
Gez Kellaghan, Peabody’s Community Investment Manager for Thamesmead, said: “We’re really pleased to bring this opportunity to life, and to bring life into a space that young people have been asking for.
“We wouldn’t have got here without Beyond the Box and the young people. It’s been tireless work by the team. Huge thanks to them and our other partners. I’m really looking forward to seeing what this space becomes.”
The Lounge is being funded by Peabody’s partners Karakusevic Carson Architects, landscape architects Turkington Martin, structural engineers Price & Myers, low-carbon building engineers Beyond Carbon and architects Al-Jawad Pike.
The new youth hub is part of their commitment to help improve the lives of young people in the town while working on the third phase of Peabody’s seven-phase masterplan for South Thamesmead.
Hajir Kheder, Senior Community Engagement Manager at Karakusevic Carson Architects, said: “It’s really exciting to see the number of people who have turned up today. I want to thank Beyond the Box for their amazing work alongside the young people.
“Such a lot of work has gone into making this space meaningful and impactful. We know young people are spending time in this area and want to feel like they belong somewhere. It’s an incredible thing to see today and we hope to continue to build on this.”