THE transformation of a derelict former library into a vibrant resident-run community centre has finally been completed after years of campaigning.
The Mill in Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, was officially opened yesterday (Thursday September 8) in a ceremony attended by hundreds of residents and dignitaries.
The building, formerly the site of St James Street Library, will now be used for a wide variety of activities and events for clubs and groups across the Walthamstow area.
This week has already seen the venue used for exhibition space for the E17 Art Trail, a children's play area and a meeting place for a new poetry club.
Alison Griffin, chair of trustees at the Mill, said she was “overwhelmed” by the level of support.
She said: “It's just brilliant. It's great to see so many people at the opening. But it's also crucial that we've had a huge amount of support from people who have put in hundreds of hours of voluntary work to make this possible.”
Janet Wright, of the St James Street Library campaign, said: “I never thought this day would come. But it just goes to show the strength of community spirit and determination here.”
The library was closed suddenly by the council in 2007 and was nearly turned into a drug treatment centre in 2009 until local opposition forced the authority to back down.
In 2010 the council announced plans to auction it off to the highest bidder, but after months of negotiations and fund-raising campaigners managed to persuade it to grant them a 15-year lease.
Mohammed Zafar, 25, helped paint the building and is one of the many Coppermill Lane residents who have dedicated hours of their spare time on the project.
He said: “I was just walking past one day and I saw there were people inside working so I asked what was going on.
“They told me it was for the community, so I thought it would be good to help and also practice my English as well. I think it's really good.”
Fellow resident Oliver Reece, 43, said: “Before this I only knew my immediate neighbours but now I'm friends with people from all over the street. It's really brought people together.”
Trustees are now lobbying the council and grant bodies for extra funding. Cash is needed to install a heating system for the winter months and a further £35,000 may be needed to pay rent to the council in the coming years.
Visit www.themill-coppermill.org for more information.
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