Grove Park Youth Club Timeline
1966
GPYC Opened
Bauhaus inspired building by LCC Architects Department.
Social architecture as part of Britain’s post war settlement. Very important to talk about the historical context - Britain was only twenty years earlier devasted by WW2 but built social infrastructure for working classes. We can provide some users from the day it opened to interview and also users over past decades.
2012
Protest to Stop Closure
Protest to stop closure starts with Tommy McNally after Lewisham Council announced closure proposals.
2013
GPYC Closed
Little maintenance was carried out during previous years - managed decline by LBL with a view to demolition and sale of public asset to private developers.
Property Guardians live in building 2013 to 2021 - despite occupants duty to look after the building, there was further decline and damage.
2015
Campaign to save it, started by local people.
Period of meetings and guerilla campaigning with flyers etc. promoting local community needs.
2015
GPYC Building Preservation Trust Formed as Official Body Fighting to Save It.
Rob Clayton leads the campaign - a small group of helpers who do not give up. Key people are Rob Clayton and Stephen Kenny (both directors of GPYC BPT) and volunteers hold meetings on regular basis to fight for GPYC.
January 2017
GPYC Identified as a Key Local Community Asset
Trust presented case to Mayor of Lewisham which included the “Alternative Plan for GPYC” document, funded by the emerging Grove Park Neighbourhood Plan process, identyfing the GPYC as a key local community asset.
July 2017
“The Great Get Togther” Event
Great Get Together event held in YC grounds to promote campaign to save GPYC.
August 2017
Trust Gains Governorship of GPYC
LBL decided to allow Trust governorship of GPYC and to provide a sustainable solution at zero cost to LBL.
August 2018
Refurbishment Project Begins
Trust partner with Wilmott DIxon Interiors for 3 week refurbishment project culminating in a celebratory event. Free restoration works by UK property company makes building ALMOST ready for occupation again, but still more work is required.