Reopen the West Indian Cultural Centre – Restore Our Community Hub Now!

We, the undersigned, call on Haringey Council to take immediate and decisive action to complete all necessary remedial and refurbishment works required to reopen the West Indian Cultural Centre (WICC) at 9 Clarendon Road, London N8 0DJ.

The WICC, opened in 1987 by the late Labour MP Bernie Grant, has long stood as a proud beacon of cultural heritage, unity, and support for the African-Caribbean community in Haringey and beyond. Since 2020, the Centre has remained closed—initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently due to subsidence, outstanding remedial works, and unmet statutory requirements, many of which fall under the remit of Haringey Council.

Critically, a crumbling annex at the rear of the kitchen area poses a serious health and safety risk and prevents the building from reopening. The removal of this shifting structure is the Council’s responsibility, and until they fulfil this duty, the community cannot access the building to begin its restoration or safely resume its vital services.

The prolonged closure has deprived our community of:

Cultural programmes for youth and women
Mental health and counselling services
A valued and inclusive community meeting space
Despite repeated efforts and clear communication from the managing organisation, the African Caribbean Leadership Company Limited (ACLC), the Council has failed to act—leaving the building closed and the community sidelined after almost three years.

We believe this delay is unacceptable and undermines the legacy of the Windrush Generation, as well as Haringey’s commitments to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We demand that Haringey Council:

1.   Immediately remove the hazardous annex at the back of the building

2.   Complete all remedial and statutory works required to reopen the WICC

3.   Provide a clear and transparent timeline for the Centre’s reopening

4.   Publicly commit to supporting the WICC as a vital community resource

Let’s restore this cultural landmark and give our community the space, support, and respect it deserves.

If you would like to donate please search for culture centre N8 at 

just giving.com

or please follow this link -

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/aclcbuildingrepairs?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL

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