One of London’s oldest youth clubs celebrates transformational redevelopment

One of the capital’s oldest youth clubs hosted an open day to celebrate completing the first phase of major redevelopment works.

Alford House Youth Club, in Aveline Street, Kennington, was founded in 1884. Today it continues to serve Lambeth’s young community by providing a safe space for socialising, working and exercising. 

On Sunday, the youth club opened its doors to the public to showcase the building’s recent transformation.

The refurbishment of Alford House is a two-phase project. Work on phase one began on November 1, 2023, following two years of preparation and fundraising.

The first phase has seen the north building refurbished and fitted with a new roof and an additional fitness suite.

During the work in the north building, the club continued to run its activities in the south building. 

The event was attended by Vauxhall and Camberwell Green MP Florence Eshalomi, donors, club members and staff, as well as residents in the area.

There were also a number of former students from Mill Hill School in north London, which has fostered a partnership with Alford House for a century.

Nick Priestnall, chairman of Alford House, said: “Our renovation project for the young people of Lambeth is not just about the buildings, it is about what the buildings will enable us to do: to expand the club’s activity and reach more of the young people, especially more of the most vulnerable.”

The club is currently seeking funding for phase two, which will include  re-roofing the south building, refurbishing the sports hall and creating the youth hub with its new music studio, work room and cafe.

Pictured top: From left, MP Florence Eshalomi with Nick Priestnall, chairman of Alford House (Picture: Alford House)