Holborn House

Holborn Community Association plays a crucial role in providing services to the local community, and in an area as diverse as Holborn, it is fundamentally important to the local residents. Quinn London was appointed by Holborn Community Association to undertake an impressive plan to redevelop their existing building. Holborn Community Association had been operating from the site for 100 years with the last upgrade completed 60 years ago. The existing building was no longer fit for purpose and was inaccessible for older people and those with disabilities.

Access to the property was challenging. The community centre is accessed via a narrow alleyway, with residential, commercial offices and retail facilities in close proximity. The works commenced with the demolition of the existing building to slab level. This was carried out in 5 phases with waste transported via a powered barrow to a skip.

Construction works began with block work and waterproofing to the basement. Prior to the installation of steel trusses to support the roof of the sports hall. Installation of curtain walling, windows and doors made the building weather proof so that we could continue with the interior works.

The main interior works, included installation of a lift, staircase, M&E and the spring flooring to the gymnasium. We also completed dry lining and partitioning to the 1st and ground floor and the installation of sanitary ware and joinery. The installation of a lift provides much needed access to the building and the new facilities include changing rooms, club rooms, servery and storage walls.

The building’s frontage has been opened up with the installation of a glass façade. Etched into the surface of the façade is a work by artist Caragh Thuring called Great Things Lie Ahead. It is comprised of a brick mortar line pattern filled with fragments of text drawn from stories and materials in HCA’s archives. Quinn London’s redevelopment of the 60-year old building has improved accessibility to the Community Centre. The new structure extends the existing Emerald Hall gym and provides a bright two-story space providing additional community spaces.