Manor Park Community Café and Hub
Project Background
The idea of creating a community café, art space, and co-working hub was one of the most popular suggestions during community engagement for the Manor Park Newham High Streets Report. To make this vision a reality, the Council secured grant funding and worked with Meanwhile Space CIC to design a proposal for a new building on the empty site opposite Manor Park Station (1a Forest View Road). Planning permission for the project was granted in 2024.
After a competitive selection process, Tiffinwalli CIC was appointed to be the operator of the space once it was built. Tiffinwalli is a Newham-based social enterprise with a strong track record of empowering women, particularly those from ethnic minorities, migrant, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. They deliver training, catering, and food heritage programmes, creating opportunities that combine skills development, employment, and cultural celebration.
What Has Happened
Unfortunately, due to the significant rise in construction costs and delays with the construction programme, it was not possible to proceed with construction of the new building within the limits of the grant funding, despite the best efforts of the Council and Meanwhile Space.
What is Next for the Proposed Community Cafe and Hub
Following the success of the Colours of Manor Park project, which has transformed the exterior of Manor Park Library, we now have an exciting opportunity to bring the empty unit (19a Station Road) next to the Library back into use. Instead of constructing a new building, the Council will work with Tiffinwalli to fit out this space for the Community Café and Hub. Design and interior works are planned for 2026, and we hope the new Community Café and Hub will open in late 2026.
Thank you to all residents who have participated in the co-design process for this project over the years; initially for developing and supporting the project idea as part of the community engagement to co-produce the Forest Gate High Street Strategy, as well as then getting involved in the co-design for the proposed building and supporting the planning application.
We know that some local residents may be disappointed it has not been possible to construct the new building proposed for the vacant site opposite Manor Park Station, however we are pleased that it has been possible to find a solution to deliver the same planned benefits and activities - just in a different location.
What is Next for the Land at 1a Forest View Road
The vacant site opposite Manor Park Station has now received planning consent. However, it is not possible at the current time for the Council and Meanwhile Space to proceed with construction of the new building. The Council will explore alternative opportunities for this site; to either develop the consented scheme or propose alternative options for the future of the vacant space. The Council will keep local residents updated before any future development of the site takes place.
