The new Hub, which will be based at Meadowbank Adult Education Centre, is part of the Council’s ambition to bring key services closer to residents’ doorsteps.
Published: Wednesday, 13th November 2024
Last night, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet approved the progression of a new Community Hub in Cranford. The new hub will bring together enhanced library services and adult education. Along with tailored support on a range of issues such as money management, jobs and skills, and wellbeing from the Council and its partner organisations.
The progression was announced after the Council gained feedback from Cranford residents on what they wanted to see in the new Community Hub. The Council ran an online survey, hosted drop-in sessions and connected with library and adult education users on how they could shape the new service.
The new hub will result in Cranford Library moving to Meadowbank Adult Education Centre, which is 300m from the existing library site. The new site will include enhanced library services and high-quality facilities, along with the existing adult education offer.
Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities at Hounslow Council, said:
“Our new Community Hub will make sure that Cranford residents, especially those who need it most, get the support they need, all in one convenient place.
“Our goal is simple, to make services more accessible to our community.”
This new Cranford initiative is part of the Council’s broader ‘Localities approach’, where Council teams work side-by-side with voluntary and community organisations, health services and other partners to help residents access what they need where they live.
Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills and Employment at Hounslow Council, said:
“For years, Meadowbank has been at the heart of adult education in Cranford, providing opportunities for residents to learn and develop new skills.
“By bringing library services, community support, and education together, we’re creating a space for lifelong learning and growth.”
Meadowbank Education Adult Centre has proved a pillar of adult learning in the local community: it currently runs about 270 courses and supports over 900 users every year.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces at Hounslow Council, said:
“ONS data shows Hounslow has some of the best library access in the country. This move secures the future of an improved Cranford Library, guaranteeing residents continue to have an excellent library right on their doorstep.
"Cranford residents and library users have played a pivotal role in shaping the design of this Community Hub – we look forward to continuing this journey with them and creating an offer that makes our services even easier and more convenient to use."
The new hub will be open in Summer 2025 with more updates provided soon.
