THE IRISH HEART OF LONDON A New Vision for The London Irish Centre
‘The new building would allow the London Irish Centre to continue to serve the diverse needs of London’s Irish community, particularly its most vulnerable members, in the years to come.’ Ciarán Cannon, Minister of State for the Diaspora, Government of Ireland
‘As part of my ongoing commitment to the preservation of local cultural venues I`m delighted to offer my wholehearted support to the plans to regenerate the London Irish Centre over the coming year and the creation of a new cultural bridge between London and Ireland.’ Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
CONTENTS
1. WELCOME 2. HISTORY & HERITAGE 3. THE IMPACT 4. TEN TRUE STORIES 5. THE NEEDS 6. THE FUTURE VISION 7. DESIGN APPROACH 8. PROJECT TEAM & TIMELINE 9. PROJECT FINANCE 10. JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY
‘The London Irish Centre is a nurturing place, a nourishing place. The old Centre has a proud and great heart, and a hugely exciting future. I’m excited to be part of a community effort to make that future vision a reality.’ Imelda May, Musician, LIC Ambassador
‘I’m incredibly proud to be Irish and I am a dad to three young “London Irish” girls. Two were born here and one came as an infant. London has been incredibly kind to our family and it is now home. I want my children to have a connection to Ireland and I see LIC as such a significant connection to Ireland as they grow up in this great city.’ Michael Roddy, LIC Trustee
‘The London Irish Centre was a haven for immigrants searching for a welcoming taste of home in an alien city.’ The Guardian
A NEW VISION FOR THE LONDON IRISH CENTRE The London Irish Centre is the Irish Heart of London. Based in Camden Square since 1955, our warm and welcoming services have empowered and enriched lives, through times of struggle and celebration, challenge and success.
With sixty years of experience, a committed and creative team and a dynamic community of supporters, the London Irish Centre has a new vision - to develop the existing site as a world-class Irish community and cultural centre. A place to support and grow services for the future.
For tens of thousands, it has been both a haven and a beacon. It brings a taste of Irish community spirit and culture to our global city.
For the vulnerable and isolated, a new Centre will offer welcoming, high-quality services in the very best facilities.
Today, the London Irish Centre continues to support those in most need. From crisis grants to advice sessions, outreach to hot meals, thousands of vulnerable people receive essential support.
For audiences, artists and students, it will boast world-class cultural, recreational and educational spaces and resources - deserving of Ireland’s renowned cultural talent.
It is also a place to experience the very best of Irish culture in all its diversity. From traditional music to contemporary theatre, emerging comedians to established writers, the rich cultural programme reaches almost 20,000 people a year.
For staff, volunteers and partners, it will be an excellent work environment.
However, the iconic Centre is at a critical point in its history. It was built in a different time for a different set of needs, and it is now under urgent pressure to evolve. Running costs for the ageing Centre total hundreds of thousands of pounds - simply keeping services open is an existential challenge. Its warm Irish welcome is compromised by accessibility issues, and environmental sustainability is restricted by poor layout and deteriorating facilities. We have exhausted the building’s potential to generate income to support services. It is no longer fit for purpose. But our plan is not just driven by the inadequacy of what we have now. We want a Centre which will enable us to do more and do better.
For Ireland and the global Irish community, a place of pride, celebration and connection that will serve generations to come. For the local community, the redeveloped Centre will be a place of welcome and sharing, and for London, a flagship community and cultural venue which will celebrate the story and contribution of the Irish to this wonderful city.
For over sixty years, the London Irish Centre has welcomed, supported, cared for and connected it has been the Irish Heart of London. But now, that Irish heart needs a new home. We invite you to join us on this journey to make this vision a reality.
Ní neart go cur le chéile – Together, we are strong.
‘It was a tremendous occasion. You could see the tears in people’s eyes. The pride and the hope. They had never been given anything like this before.’ John, attendee at opening of LIC, 1955
‘Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.’ Gustav Mahler
OUR HISTORY & OUR HERITAGE From building sites to board rooms, from culture and care to education and entertainment, is there any community that has made such a contribution to London as the Irish? London is home to the largest Irish community outside of Ireland, and the story of the iconic London Irish Centre is a story of that community – a community of people helping and being helped. The London Irish Centre has played a part in the London experience for tens of thousands of people throughout the decades. A FOUNDING VISION The London Irish Centre’s roots lie in the late 1940s and early ‘50s, when a group from the Catholic Church and Irish community volunteers were deeply concerned about the experiences of young Irish emigrants arriving to rebuild post-war Britain. Hundreds of thousands arrived in London, many with little more than a willingness to work. In response, the vision for ‘The Irish Centre’ was formed to include an advice bureau, temporary accommodation, meeting rooms, a large hall, a canteen and a library. The ‘Irish Centre Fund’ bank account was set up in 1954, and the fundraising began. A committee was formed of representativs and volunteers from the construction, legal and business sectors, and within 30 months, they sourced, fundraised for and renovated a site in Camden Square NW1, which opened as the London Irish Centre in September 1955. The London Irish Centre is in its current location because it was the nearest building the founders could find to Euston Station, where hundreds of thousands of Irish people have arrived, having taken the ferry to Holyhead and the train to London. Camden Town was the hub from which the scattering to other areas in London occurred. Through the decades, the London Irish Centre has welcomed new arrivals with accommodation, employment opportunities and a ready-made community. It offered a two-way bridge, both a ‘welcome to London’ to the recent arrival, and a taste of home to more established emigrants.
GROWING & CHANGING From dinners to dances, concerts to crises, weddings to the warmest Irish welcome, community and culture are in the DNA of the London Irish Centre. It has been a home to and birthplace of countless Irish community organisations, such as the Aisling Project, Irish in Britain, the Irish Elderly Advice Network, Comhaltas, The Irish Chaplaincy and many more, reaching hundreds of thousands through the decades. The London Irish Centre has a long track record of developing in response to changing community needs, with two successful multi-million capital developments in its history. It is now time for another. We are deeply proud of the London Irish Centre’s heritage and its role as the Irish Heart of London. But as it shows its age, we want to bring the story of the London Irish Centre and of London’s most successful migrant community to a new level. SHARING THE STORIES We cannot let the success, the struggle, and the story of the Irish men and women who helped to build this city be forgotten. We want to celebrate and care for them. The hard work, reputation and successes of those who came before paved the way for those who followed. We also want to tell other stories from across the proud and diverse Irish community in London, to celebrate the rich tapestry of Irish culture and heritage in London. We want London to have a world-class Irish community and cultural venue, a place to learn and connect. With over 60 years’ experience and expertise as the authentic Irish Heart of London, the London Irish Centre is now poised for an exciting new vision. To realise this vision, the community spirit, pride and creativity of the London Irish Centre’s founders and supporters will need to be re-activated for the 21st century.
This brochure invites you to be part of that vision.
ÂŁ24,188
5,434
crisis grants given out
nutritious meals served to people
1,972
4,012
people in crisis helped
advice sessions
312 outreach visits to the most isolated
ÂŁ1.67m of entitlements recovered for people
121 82,000 visitors to the London Irish Centre
volunteers contributed
7,223 hours
107 traditional Irish music students
IMPACT
The London Irish Centre’s mission is to empower and enrich lives through Irish community and culture. This is achieved through a diverse mix of life-changing services. Here’s a snapshot from 1.10.2018 to 30.09.2019
19,803 attendees at Irish cultural events
253 348 Irish community and cultural events hosted
Irish artists performed on our stages
10 TRUE STORIES
#3 Tom Tom, an 80-year-old man who is completely blind and has attended our Lunch Club for years with the assistance of his wife, who passed in 2018.
Here are just ten examples from thousands every year of how the London Irish Centre empowers and enriches lives through Irish community and culture. * Names and photos have been changed in each of these stories to protect person’s identities.
#1 Kate
& Jack
A young couple, Kate and Jack, came to the Centre when they were seven months pregnant. Having lost their employment, they were struggling financially and were too embarrassed to ask family for help. HOW WE HELPED: The Advice & Outreach Team made a Universal Credit claim on their behalf and provided them with food vouchers and bus tickets for two months until they received their first payment. IMPACT: The couple were able to prepare for the arrival of their baby knowing they had food and income on the way.
#2 Mary Mary, who is disabled, had independently twice applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and was refused both times. HOW WE HELPED: The LIC Team helped Mary with her new form which resulted in her receiving an enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility for an indefinite period. IMPACT: Mary is now entitled to severe disability premium which means her weekly income has more than doubled.
HOW WE HELPED: After his wife died, leaving him additionally vulnerable, the Wellbeing Team ensured he kept coming to the Centre and got him involved in activities, including karaoke. IMPACT: Staff, volunteers and LIC community have come together to support him through a difficult time and reduce his loneliness.
#4 Jane
#5 Linda
Jane had been hospitalised and was transferred between three different care units without receiving good care.
Linda’s parents came to London in the 1950s from Mayo and Limerick.
HOW WE HELPED:
‘The current facility has a great heart and plays a hugely
Our Health Navigator liaised with health services on behalf of the family to secure a space in an Intensive Rehabilitation unit.
When her dad started coming to the Day Centre a couple of years ago, Linda began volunteering with the LIC’s vibrant Lunch Club, and went on to set up a popular weekly art group for people.
important role for Irish diaspora in London, as well as the
IMPACT:
IMPACT:
Since being transferred, Jane is making great steps towards her recovery and is regaining her confidence.
Linda feels that her contribution to the LIC is valued and that she is part of a big family which supports all its members. Over 100 people volunteer with the London Irish Centre right now.
new audiences it attracts for its strong and diverse arts programme. The new building will accommodate 21st century needs and reflect the national self-confidence Ireland possesses and our shared desire that we be ambitious in promoting the interests of Ireland on the world stage.’ Josepha Madigan, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Government of Ireland
HOW WE HELPED:
#6 Aoife
& Ryan
A young Irish couple, Aoife and Ryan have just had their first child born in London. They are keen for their child to experience Irish culture. HOW WE HELPED: As the child grows, she attends our Irish playgroups, culture clubs and later music and dance lessons. IMPACT: The couple love their lives, their work, and their community in London, and are hugely grateful that their child’s London life is enriched by the finest Irish culture.
#7 Bridie #8 David Bridie is a Social Group attendee who lives on her own in a council flat. She approached one of the LIC’s Wellbeing Officers with an issue. HOW WE HELPED: Bridie had been without a shower for two weeks after the council failed to finish work on it. Our Health Navigator spoke to the council on their behalf.
Having been on Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) for years, David was suddenly put on the lower rate and was at risk of losing his house. HOW WE HELPED: Our Legal Advocate proved to the tribunal that the decision was wrong, and David was put back to his original rate.
IMPACT:
IMPACT:
Within a couple of days, the council had fixed the shower. Bridie said she doesn’t know what she would have done if it were not for the LIC’s support.
David is now safe and no longer at risk of losing his house. He is also being supported in respect of PIP as well as ESA.
#9 John John Dunne is the Artistic Director of Irish Theatre, a company in London which has been producing and presenting Irish theatre in London for many years. HOW WE HELPED: Through the Community Events Programme (CEP), the LIC has provided low to no-cost space for rehearsals and productions. IMPACT: This has made possible a number of diverse cultural events and experiences and has offered performance opportunities to emerging actors. Over 340 community and cultural events receive support like this every year.
#10
Margaret Margaret has limited mobility and lives alone in social housing. She is house-bound due to multiple health conditions including being partially sighted and diabetic. HOW WE HELPED: After a few spells in hospital, Margaret was put in touch with our Befriending Service and has been paired with a befriender who visits on a weekly basis. IMPACT: Margaret now has social interaction on a regular basis which reduces isolation and loneliness. “She is a really nice girl, we have great chats and a cup of tea”. The LIC manages 20 befriending relationships.
‘The strength of the London Irish Centre is the way it captures under one roof all the diversity of the Irish community. There is a wealth of talent, of different interests, skills, pockets of experience and wisdom, of creativity and genius. Instead of each simply doing its own thing and going its own way divorced from all the others, here they put into practice that lovely old Irish adage: ‘Ni neart go cur le chéile’ - our strength is in working together.’ Mary McAleese, Former President of Ireland
‘Having a sense of community, as someone who left their home in Ireland for London 11 years ago, is so important to me. The development of the London Irish Centre is needed to keep tradition and nostalgia alive but also moving with the times and creating a forward-thinking space that is rich in culture and open to all.’ Laura Whitmore, Radio and TV presenter, LIC Ambassador
‘I love Ireland, and I love London, so of course I’m honoured to be patron of the London Irish Centre. Irish music and culture have always been a big part of my family’s life, so the opportunity to be part of redeveloping the Centre as a world-class venue is hugely exciting. This place will be a very special cultural bridge between Ireland and London, and I’m happy to be playing my part.’ Ed Sheeran, LIC Patron
THE NEED
The core needs for this development are two-fold: service delivery and financial sustainability. We need to create a world-class Centre, which can both deliver the very best services and create commercial income to provide financial sustainability for those services into the future. THE NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT:
THE NEED FOR SERVICES:
- The London Irish Centre is deteriorating, which is both impacting on services and creating serious threats to our financial sustainability. It is no longer fit for purpose, need or ambition.
- London is home to the biggest Irish population outside of Ireland. This multi-generational community has diverse, complex needs and interests, which require a wide mix of services and activities.
- Due to poor layout and ageing facilities, running costs are increasing and the ability to maximise income from the premises is exhausted. If we do not evolve, our services will be at risk.
- We are in the middle of a loneliness epidemic. The London Irish Centre offers a warm welcome and community, especially to those most isolated in this sometimes very lonely city.
- Our premises are not accessible, which creates serious issues for service delivery.
- Austerity has hit the vulnerable most fiercely. Our advice, support and advocacy services are in growing demand.
- Like everyone, we are increasingly conscious of environmental issues. The existing Centre’s energy efficiency and sustainability are very poor.
- Irish artists in London and Ireland are in desperate need of creative space and performance opportunities.
- The ‘Forgotten Irish’, for and by whom the London Irish Centre was originally built, deserve the very best facilities as they age.
- People find themselves in unexpected crises for a mix of reasons. When this happens, we can help with support, grants and care.
- All Irish people in London expect and deserve an excellent Centre, which they can be proud of and be part of.
- With a community at higher risk of developing mental health problems, there is a need for wellbeing spaces where people can proactively engage and manage their wellbeing.
- People want different and changing services and experiences, which the existing facilities cannot deliver. - We are deeply proud of the Irish community’s contribution to London, past and present, and want to create a Centre that does it justice. - Ireland and London deserve a world-class Irish community and cultural centre.
- There is a huge interest in and demand for highquality Irish cultural experiences among Londoners. Their expectations are high. - Many people do not know about the experiences and contributions of the Irish in London. We want to celebrate them. - Many Irish emigrants in London want to pass on and share their culture to their London-born families. - London can be a tough city. With over 60 years of experience and expertise, we are here to help.
WORLD CLASS AUDITORIUM
FULLY ACCESSIBLE CENTRAL CORE EDUCATION HUB
STORY OF THE IRISH
VIEWS ACROSS CITY
COMMUNITY KITCHEN NEW CAFÉ-BAR LIBRARY/ EXHIBITIONS REINSTATED HISTORIC ENTRANCE
THERAPY GARDEN ADVICE SERVICE HUB
WELLBEING HUB
THE VISION
With the current London Irish Centre struggling to support services and no longer fit for purpose, it is time for a new vision. It’s time to create a new home for the Irish Heart of London. The redeveloped London Irish Centre will: - Offer world-class community and cultural facilities and resources for the London Irish Centre’s community and cultural services. - Create financial sustainability for the LIC’s services through high quality event, café, hire and bar facilities. - Be fully accessible and inclusive, removing barriers in support of our warm Irish welcome. - Create an improved destination for the Irish community, as well as an important cultural asset for London. - Create a modern, flexible and safe working environment for our staff and volunteers. - Feature community kitchens, café bars and mixed use events spaces.
- Build Irish culture, creativity and heritage into the design, layout and fabric of the build to celebrate the story of the Irish in London. - Create an enhanced Wellbeing Hub offering activities, education, social space and lunches. - Feature improved, exhibition spaces and digital archives and library.
- Have sustainability front and centre in the design and build, including new green spaces and environmental ‘excellence’ to reduce environmental impact. - Potentially offer accommodation for both the vulnerable and artist residence spaces.
It is not just about the physical Centre, it’s about what a redeveloped Centre will make possible: - New, purpose-built spaces will ensure that all service-users and visitors get the very best support and experience at the London Irish Centre.
- Mixed-use, flexible spaces will enable the LIC to deliver a diverse mix of services to a diverse community in a diverse city. We will be able to do more, and better. - Improved accessibility and flow will ensure that everyone who wants to visit can do, in the most welcoming way. This is especially important for the most vulnerable with the greatest needs. - World-class cultural facilities will create the stages to present the very best of Irish cultural and creative talent to London audiences. This will be the London piece of the global Irish community. - London will have a place which celebrates the story and contribution of the Irish to this wonderful city. This is of special importance in relation to the 1950s emigrants who built so much of modern London. - Improved cultural and educational facilities will make it possible to enrich thousands of lives every year through experiencing Irish culture. - The local community will gain beautiful new event, meeting and social spaces in which they can gather, connect and strengthen community ties. - The redeveloped Centre will be a cultural bridge. A place for Irish artists to meet London and for London to meet Irish art. - Excellent facilities will make it possible for Irish businesses and entrepreneurs to do business, host and build relationships.
THE DESIGN APPROACH
The ambitious new proposals for the London Irish Centre will reinforce the importance of Irish culture, community and care in London. The current accommodation is confused and inefficient and is no longer fit for purpose. The new building will act as both a beacon and a haven, giving the charity newfound agency to help deliver its aspirational care, community & cultural services. The existing villa’s will be refurbished inside and out to harness the site’s heritage assets. The new building will be a pleasure to visit and explore with many cosy places to sit and communicate, to remember and to make new memories. The Centre will be fully accessible, and both environmentally and commercially sustainable for future generations to enjoy this world class community centre. The Irish Heart of London. Working closely with local stakeholders the new Centre seeks to reinstate and revive historic interest, maintaining the feeling of homeliness that every visitor feels on entry to the current building. An architecture formed through light and wellbeing which will have a new community cafe and world class auditoria spaces, supported by gardens and roof terraces with incredible views across London. The building will become a significant cultural destination for all Londoners. At the heart of making a building at the centre of a community are the people who will use it every day. The process so far has been a journey with you, the community we are making this architecture with. We have experienced tough questions, a thorough interrogation of ideas, empathy for different emotions... and joy...and smiles and laughter. At the heart of this very special place, is the Irish spirit, the Irish personality, the Irish story. The building aims to capture those Irish Stories to embed them physically into the architecture to further enhance and enrich the lives of those who use or visit the centre. Coffey Architects are honoured and excited to be a part of this incredible journey and look forward to the realisation of a beautiful new London Irish Centre in the near future. Phil Coffey Director Coffey Architects
2019 RIBA National Award – Television Centre 2018 Housing Design Award, Croydon Smaller Sites Programme 2018 Surface Design Award, Science Museum 2017 Brick Awards, Modern Detached – won 2017 New London Award, Croydon Smaller Sites Programme 2017 RIBA London Award, Science Museum 2017 RIBA London Award, Hidden House 2017 MIPIM UK Visionary Architect/Masterplanner
‘The London Irish Centre brings the very best of Irish to London. It allows Irish people in London to feel properly connected to “home” and welcomes the people of London with open arms. The Centre provides warmth in every sense, it offers support without judgement and necessities when people are in need but it’s also a place of celebration. The Irish centre of the future is a place of hope, somewhere that aims to spotlight the creativity and heart that is so inherent to Irish people and even more important to those who are far from home. To continue its work, the Centre needs a revamp which we need your support to make happen Angela Scanlon, Radio and TV presenter, LIC Ambassador
PROJECT TEAM
PRINCIPAL DESIGN TEAM
LONDON IRISH CENTRE TRUSTEES
Architect - Coffey Architects Structural Engineer – Elliott Wood MEP Consultants – OCSC Cost Consultants – Gardiner & Theobold Planning Consultants – Rolfe Judd Project Manager – Acumen-PS
Alex O’Cinnéide Michael O’Connor, CBE (Interim Chair) Anna Doyle Ian McKim Rosaleen Blair, CBE (Chair Designate) Mary Kerrigan Patrick Doherty Nyall Jacobs, Treasurer Michael Roddy The Hon. Mrs Justice McGowan Tom Goddard Anne McLoughlin
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE & ADVISORS Mike O` Connor, CBE, London Irish Centre Sinead Hughes, Grove Developments Peter Halpenny, Ballymore Group Philip Fitzpatrick, Team Fitzpatrick Sean Kennedy, London Irish Centre Caitriona Carney, CQC Richard Corrigan, Corrigan Collection (advisor) Finbarr Whooley, Museum of London (advisor) John Nugent, Fortune & Greene (advisor) Michael Nee, Brecher (advisor) Heinz Richardson, Jestico + Whiles (advisor) Ruaidhri Dowling, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (observer) CAMPAIGN BOARD Tom Goddard, Ocean Outdoor (Chair) Seamus Creedon, NED Mary Kerrigan, NED Sean Kennedy, Moreland Investments Tara Walsh, NED Alex O’Cinnéide, Gore Street Capital Mary O’Kennedy, O’Kennedy Consulting (Campaign Advisor)
LONDON IRISH CENTRE SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM Seán Kennedy, CEO Gary Dunne, Director of Culture Andrea Keogh, Director of Operations Brian Hanley, Director of Community Services
THE TIMELINE
May 2019 DESIGN TEAM APPOINTED
Aug-Sep 2019 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION AND CONVERSATION
Oct 2019
1ST COMMUNITY REVIEW OF PLANS
Jan 2020
2ND COMMUNITY REVIEW OF PLANS
Feb-Mar 2020
Jul-Aug 2020
PLANNING PERMISSION SUBMITTED
PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED
Jan 2021
PRE-CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT
Oct 2021
CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES
Apr 2023
OPENING NIGHT
‘Like thousands of people across Britain, I am someone who was raised with a strong connection to my Irish identity, so I’m honoured to be a patron of LIC. This development project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something which both honours the proud heritage of the Irish in London, and the central role played by the LIC, but also sets out a compelling vision of the future. A future with world-class facilities to support the LIC’s services. A future in which there are brilliant stages for Irish culture in London. A future in which everyone is welcome to experience a taste of Ireland in NW1. I’m incredibly excited to be involved and encourage you to join us!’ Dermot O’Leary, LIC Patron
PROJECT FINANCES The projected cost of this flagship redevelopment will be £18m, broken down into these key areas: Other £.74m
Philanthropy £5.6m
‘The first half of your life should be about success,
Grants, Trusts and Foundations £8.5m
the second half about significance.’
LIC Fundraisers £1.66m Corporate (sponsorship and naming rights) £1.5m
The fundraising campaign has been led by an initial grant of £1m from the Irish Government as well as significant donor pledges and successful fundraising events led by our Patrons Dermot O`Leary and Ed Sheeran. There is a strong business model underpinning this case for support: in its current state, the Centre is already a busy venue which welcomed 82,000 visitors in the past 12 months and generated £1.3m in commercial income; from events, gigs, conferences and weddings. Both gross and net space will increase substantially and with overall efficiency improving from 56% to 72%. We project an increase in income to £2.75m with a net profit of £500k, which will be used to support existing and new charitable services. It is this commercial and social entrepreneurial activity which will create the financial security and sustainability for the LIC and safeguard the long-term future of the London Irish Centre. However, this return on investment can never be measured in money alone; the enormous social, cultural and community impact is the real success indicator.
Bob Buford
JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY
THE IRISH HEART OF LONDON – BE PROUD OF IT, BE PART OF IT The London Irish Centre has reached a critical point in its story - a point at which the Centre needs to evolve to a new vision or ultimately wind down services.
The model here is for a vibrant, world-class Irish community and cultural centre. A new home for the Irish Heart of London.
Since 1955, the Centre has welcomed, supported, cared for and connected - it has been the Irish Heart of London.
A Centre which honours the experiences of those who came before and paved the way.
But now, that Irish heart needs a new home. Needs are changing, demands increasing, expectations raising, and the ageing Centre simply cannot keep up. It is in urgent need of investment. For decades, thousands of people have invested their time, energy and resources into the important work of the London Irish Centre. Now, it is our turn to honour the past, embrace the needs and opportunities of the present and, together, create the future. It is our turn to reconnect with the community spirit and pride in all of us, the spirit which created and sustained the Centre, to reimagine a new London Irish Centre which you can be proud of, and part of. A redeveloped Centre which will have world-class community and cultural facilities, create financial sustainability for charitable services, be fully accessible and inclusive, and will create a flagship focal point for all things Irish in London. A London Irish Centre which will promote Irish culture and heritage, serve the local community, offer a bridge between London and Ireland, and celebrate the enormous contribution and story of the Irish in London. The vulnerable will have better access to the best services, the creative will have resources and opportunities. Learners will have great experiences in excellent facilities, and people who want to connect, have fun, network will have the spaces and opportunities to experience and share the very best Irish hospitality.
A Centre which does justice to Ireland’s rich community spirit and creative talent and to London’s global profile. But, we cannot do this on our own. The story of the London Irish Centre is a story of community, a community of people helping and being helped, a community of people who respect, care and look out for each other. Right now, it is the Centre and its crucial services who are in need. We need your to help to realise this important and exciting vision.
There are many ways to support this unique campaign: - Make a Campaign Gift - Sponsor a room or space within the Building - Gift a project service or consultancy - Share our Story - Introduce us to your networks If, like us, you can see the once-in-lifetime opportunity to give back and create something of true impact legacy, we would be delighted to meet and discuss ways you can support this campaign. Seán Kennedy, London Irish Centre CEO seankennedy@londonirishcentre.org
@londonirishcentre
@londonirishcentre @LDNIrishcentre
www.londonirishcentre.org www.licfuture.org
50-52 Camden Sq, London NW1 9XB E: info@londonirishcentre.org T: 020 7916 2222 Registered Charity No. 1149787. Company No. 8221421.
THE IRISH HEART OF LONDON A New Vision for The London Irish Centre