A fundraising appeal has been launched to reopen the African Caribbean Cultural Centre – formerly the West Indian Cultural Centre – in north London.
The centre opened in Clarendon Road, Wood Green, in 1987 but closed in March 2020 due to the Covid lockdown. It now requires extensive internal repairs in order to conform with modern building regulations. Without these repairs – which include upgrades to the lift and heating system – the centre faces permanent closure.
The repairs will be carried out by the African Caribbean Leadership Company Limited (ACLC), a charitable organisation based in London.
Carmen Lomotey, chair of ACLC, expressed her frustration at the closure: “It’s so disappointing because we have been receiving calls and been stopped in the streets by members of our community desperately in need of our services and support. We cannot confirm a date; instead, we have been turning them away.”
If ACLC manages to reopen the centre, it will be able to provide mental wellbeing support, assistance for young people and the elderly, and other services to residents of Haringey Borough and surrounding areas, which were badly affected by Covid-19.
It also puts on historical and educational events, runs a senior citizens’ luncheon club and maintains a treasured black history library.
The public can help the centre carry on its good work via ACLC’s fundraising page.
