Thames Reach’s Shift team recently completed a 12-week project refurbishing an historic building in East London.
Shift is a scheme set up by Thames Reach that gives homeless and vulnerable people the chance to undertake paid work in the field of painting and decorating.
The extensive redecoration of the building has been warmly received by the general public and staff involved with the Community Links project who occupy the building.
The building was originally used as a public hall, opening in 1894. However after a period of falling into disrepair, it was renovated and taken on as premises for the local charity Community Links, re-opening in 1993.
In 2008 the Mann Group provided funds for a much needed refurbishment of the building. Community Links approached Thames Reach and the Shift team to do the work. Three members of staff and ten volunteers worked on the project, starting at the beginning of October.
The work involved repairing and refurbishing the building, while following specific guidelines set out to preserve the original look and feel of the property. It also remained open to the public throughout the renovation period.
