Mobilise worked with local groups and the community to develop a vision and business case, exploring the management options for the Old Barn.
The Old Barn in East Finchley, North London, was a purpose-built community centre, which was set up to provide clubs and activities for local people. The organisation that operated the centre was known as the Old Barn Youth and Community Association (OBYCA). For nearly 30 years it ran youth clubs and community activities.
The Project
When the OBYCA began to struggle financially, new trustees took over the management of the centre. However, many people felt that the centre was no longer providing benefit to the local community. After a campaign by a group of local residents, the Charity Commission investigated the OBYCA and decided that it had no validly appointed trustees. They then published an order appointing Mobilise Public Ltd as trustee for the OBYCA.
Our Approach
As trustee, we were tasked with assessing the future viability of the OBYCA. Mobilise reported back to the Charity Commission to recommend closure of the charity and for the lease to revert to the council. The London Borough of Barnet then asked Mobilise to undertake further work to ensure that the Old Barn could be brought back into use. Mobilise worked with local groups and the community to develop a vision and business case, exploring the management options for the Old Barn. In addition, we supported the council to hold two public meetings to consult on their plans and understand community views. A report was developed for the council looking at different occupancy scenarios, the sustainability of each, as well as making recommendations around the future management options. Mobilise then supported Barnet with the planned demolition and rebuild of the Old Barn.
Impact
A new community centre, Tarling Road Community Hub, was opened in 2018 under the management of YMCA City and North, also providing a new home for the Bravanese community. The facility provides rooms for community groups to use, with 980 square metres of functional space, including a meeting hall, office space, rooms for hire and co-working desks. External facilities include table tennis, growing beds, a herb garden and a nursery with covered soft play area.