The LightHouse & Gardens, London Borough of Newham for Hadley Property Group with Community Saunas CIC, El Cafecito Cafe, Elite Project Services, Brompton Hire, Enterprise and London Legacy Corporation

Hadley Property Group has transformed a neglected brownfield site in London’s most ethnically diverse borough into the LightHouse & Gardens, a vibrant community hub. This repurposed marketing suite offers classes, events and workshops promoting wellbeing and inclusivity. It is available for hire with all profits used to support free access for local charities and groups. The LightHouse fosters community connection through activities like gardening, sauna experiences and diverse events. 

Who is on the project? 

Community Saunas CIC

Elite Project Services (Stratford Gateway)

El Cafecito Cafe

Brompton Hire

Enterprise E-Car Club and London Legacy Corporation

Mecanoo Architects.

 What is the programme and use of the space? How does the project foster community, connect people and contribute to urban life?

Central to this transformation is The LightHouse, this repurposed marketing suite that now hosts a wide range of classes, events, and workshops designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul. This inclusive venue is available for hire, with all profits reinvested to provide free access for local charities and community groups, reinforcing a sense of community support and engagement. The area also features a community-focused food growing garden, complete with 39 planters, vibrant play areas, and calm green spaces flourishing with over 140 species of wildflowers. Managed by local residents Helen and Sharon, this initiative exemplifies community collaboration. The garden is also home to the Community Sauna CIC, open every day to offer affordable wellness experiences, with special discounts for NHS workers and local residents. Additionally, the GoStratford transportation hub encourages sustainable travel options, including Brompton bikes and an Enterprise e-car club. Finally Stratford Gateway academy, delivered by Elite Project Services, provides crucial rail and construction training, offering 70 accredited courses to support those leaving the prison system.  Adding to the vibrant community spirit is El Cafecito, a local business serving Latin-inspired cuisine, enhancing interaction and strengthening the neighbourhood’s sense of identity. Working collaboratively to support one another, whether that be through shared resources, materials or expertise, it is a place where its occupiers have committed to being responsive and solution-focused. Without this flexible and experimental attitude this project could not have flourished as it has. Its success continues to grow in response to local interest and need.

 How does the community space make a positive social and environmental contribution? 

The LightHouse & Gardens significantly contribute to social and environmental wellbeing. Socially, they serve as a crucial hub for bringing together neighbours, families, and diverse community members. Activities such as the sauna and cold plunge experience, gardening, and various events embody the area’s diversity. Notable events include the St Lucina Cultural Showcase Festival, Care 4 Calais Sauna sessions, and Cycle Sisters Ride Out, Tour De Cycles. The space also hosts children’s birthday parties, family chess clubs, wedding mehndi’s, media training for youths transitioning from the prison system, and design courses with D-Lab Studios. Black History Month workshops on health, wellbeing, parenting and finance, run by local charities, further underscore its community impact. Monthly meetings by the Deep Boroughs network enhance community dialogue and involvement. Environmentally, the Gardens boost biodiversity and provide essential outdoor play and education spaces for nurseries, schools, and homeschooling groups. They feature accessible planters for wheelchair users and offer gardening advice to volunteers, encouraging the growing of produce and understanding of nature’s cycles. Sustainability is prioritised through recycling materials from nearby construction and resource sharing. Wastewater from saunas is used to water the orchard, while coffee grounds from El Cafecito enrich the garden soil. These initiatives not only support ecological health but also instil a culture of conservation and community resourcefulness. In essence, The LightHouse & Gardens is a model of sustainable urban living, enhancing both social cohesion and environmental stewardship. We hope this culture will continue to inspire future visitors and residents for years to come.

Please explain the governance of the project, such as its viability, purpose, motivation and any consultation, co-creation or community engagement undertaken in the development of the community space. 

The governance of The LightHouse & Gardens is defined by a collaborative, inclusive framework prioritising community empowerment and sustainable operations. Community Sauna CIC, El Cafecito, and Elite Project Services all operate under innovative ‘social value’ leases, introduced by Hadley Property Group. These leases waive rental fees, instead outlining commitments to support the local community—offering discounts to residents, employing locals at London Living Wage, aiding these small businesses (SMEs) and CICs in growth and impact. All income generated from The LightHouse’s hire is reinvested into operating costs, ensuring affordability and enabling free access for charities and community-supporting groups. This financial model, bolstered by Hadley Property Group and partnerships with the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), safeguards the project’s long-term viability. The project’s purpose is rooted in supporting social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity. Its motivation comes from addressing local social inequalities and nurturing ownership and pride in East London’s diverse and evolving community. Community engagement remains central throughout planning and operation. Beyond standard consultations, engagement is sustained through frequent community events, workshops, and open forums. A co-designed Community Charter solidifies this inclusive approach, while independent networks like Deep Boroughs inspire ongoing collaboration with residents, institutions, and local businesses.