The Community Hub initiative is a cornerstone of the council’s commitment to making essential services more accessible to residents
Westminster City Council is set to unveil its flagship Community Hub in North Paddington in March, marking a significant step in its mission to create a Fairer Westminster. The new facility, located at Ernest Harris House, will serve as a central point for residents to access a wide array of services and support, tailored to meet the unique needs of the local community.
The Community Hub initiative is a cornerstone of the council’s commitment to making essential services more accessible to residents. By bringing activities and support directly into the heart of the community, the council aims to bridge gaps in service delivery and foster a more inclusive environment. The hub will act as a single point of contact where residents can seek advice on housing, finances, employment and benefits, and IT literacy.
This new public space will provide a place for local people in some of our most deprived wards to speak to council staff face to face, and to access support from the foodbank, as well as an exciting programme of cultural and social activities and support. I’m proud that this new hub has been co-designed with local residents.
Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities
Last year, the council launched two mini-hubs at Victoria Library and Charing Cross Library, which have already begun to make a positive impact. The Exchange at Ernest Harris House, however, will be Westminster’s first full Community Hub, offering an extensive range of activities and services. Operated by the North Paddington Foodbank, a well-established local charity known for its robust support network, The Exchange will collaborate with various partners to ensure it meets the diverse needs of its users.
The hub will offer a variety of activities, including coffee mornings, lunch clubs, health and wellbeing activities for older people, income, housing and employment advice, homework clubs, baking and cooking workshops, recovery group sessions, arts and crafts, community health groups, and advice services. These activities are designed to cater to the needs of all community members, from children to seniors.
The hub will offer a variety of activities, including coffee mornings, lunch clubs, health and wellbeing activities for older people, income, housing and employment advice, homework clubs, baking and cooking workshops, recovery group sessions, arts and crafts, community health groups, and advice services.
This initiative is the result of 18 months of collaborative efforts between the council, local residents, and partners. Community members have played a pivotal role in co-designing the hub, influencing everything from its design and materials to the activities offered and the selection of the operator. This co-design process underscores the council’s commitment to placing community voices at the heart of decision-making under the Fairer Westminster plan.
Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, expressed her enthusiasm for the new hub, saying, “I’m really pleased that Westminster City Council is opening a brand new Community Hub in the heart of North Paddington. This new public space will provide a place for local people in some of our most deprived wards to speak to council staff face to face, and to access support from the foodbank, as well as an exciting programme of cultural and social activities and support. I’m proud that this new hub has been co-designed with local residents. We spoke with over 400 residents to find out what they would like at the community hub, and I’m excited that we have been able to give local people real decision-making power to shape the services and support in their local area.”
Thomas Delap, Chief Executive of the North Paddington Foodbank, added, “The opening of The Exchange at Ernest Harris House is a major step in tackling poverty, reducing health inequalities, and creating a truly welcoming space for everyone in the community. At NPFB, we’re proud to be leading this initiative—offering not just vital support, but opportunities for people to try something new or simply connect with friends over coffee. The hub will be a place where residents can access the help they need, engage in a rich cultural programme, and build lasting relationships—a true celebration of our diverse community.”
The launch of the Community Hub in North Paddington signifies a new chapter in community engagement and support. By providing a centralised location for essential services and activities, the hub aims to foster a sense of community and empower residents to take control of their lives. The collaborative efforts behind the hub’s creation highlight the council’s dedication to working with the community to create meaningful change.
As Westminster City Council continues to roll out its Fairer Westminster plan, the North Paddington Community Hub stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. With the support of local charities and the active participation of residents, the hub is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in the North Paddington area.
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