About CUC - Camden
Contemporary Urban Centre - Camden will open in 2008 in the historic Arlington House.
Arlington House, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2005, remains one of the most significant social housing resources in the country. Over the last century Arlington House has been a symbol of Victorian philanthropy and social welfare support for working men, a resource for soldiers and refugees during the two World Wars, a major lodging resource for Irish men working in London during the economic boom of the 1960-70's and recently a provider of high quality support and care services to a diverse range of individual needs from homelessness, dependency to frailty due to old age.
The building is a landmark in Camden Town and a major contributor to the life, character and economy of the local area.
Over this period of time the aspirations of residents have changed and while excellent services are provided there is recognition that the physical environment and fabric of the building is outdated and difficult to maintain. A review by key stakeholders has started to consider the role of Arlington House over the next 100 years. It is agreed that the building requires major refurbishment providing greater privacy and personal space for customers and a need to move away from just providing a bed and looking after physical needs of people experiencing homelessness. A huge leap into the 21st century is required, meeting the employment, educational and creative potential of residents and thus fulfilling the emotional, social and economic needs of customers to ensure a more successful engagement with the wider community.
Working with customers and other key stakeholders, including private sector and government partners, a refurbishment programme will be completed within the next 2 years that will include:
- A training and conference centre - providing training programmes and conferencing facilities to the voluntary, private and statutory sectors, as well as to people who are homeless, residents' groups and other communities that are excluded
- Social enterprise/workspace units and retail space - providing retail space, plus the development of social enterprise and workspaces for homeless and other vulnerable groups
- Cultural and arts-based activities - developing the cultural and creative potential of excluded groups through an art gallery, exhibition space, museum, dance and music studios.
- A small hotel - providing accommodation for 40 people, plus cafés and restaurants which will support the activities of the conference centre and aim to provide training in hospitality and catering services.
- Multi-function/community rooms - an area for the wider community to come in to Arlington and hold events, community meetings, conferences etc
- Supported accommodation - in a range of shared and self-contained units providing ongoing support to customers with dependency (alcohol/drugs), mental health and other support needs (some of whom have lived at Arlington for 20-30 years and see it as their home).
- Self-contained accommodation - in a range of flats and bedsits, some providing support, for people who are homeless or excluded entering the employment market and/or in need of longer term support to be able to live independently.
