3-5 Thorpe Close is a large space on the Westway estate. The space was previously known as Westbank Gallery; and before that, Inn on the Green and The Flyover.
As custodians of the land underneath the Westway flyover, we are responsible for ensuring this, and all other spaces on the estate, provide maximum benefit for the community of North Kensington.
Open Conversations
In 2023, we undertook a programme of open conversations to determine the community’s views on how the space should be used, what type of operational model, and who should benefit from the space.
The programme of Open Conversations is outlined in the diagram below.
Open Conversations phase one: In-person workshops
A series of four open community events were held at 3-5 Thorpe Close. Over 150 individuals attended these open conversations.
A summary of the findings of these open discussions can be downloaded here.
Open conversations phase two: Online surveys
All attendees from phase one, and the wider community, were then invited to complete an online survey. The survey asked individuals to rank and prioritise the ideas and themes identified in phase one.
A summary of the findings of the online survey can be downloaded here.
Operating Plans
In the operation of this space we want to:
- Respect the history of the space;
- Acknowledge the opportunity that it presented for the African Caribbean community which was subsequently removed; and
- Enable the space to be available for the diverse range of communities.
Refurbishment Works
Phase One (now complete)
Phase 1 refurbishment works to 3-5 Thorpe Close started with the repair and painting in turquoise of the north facing balcony structure and the regeneration of the oak handrail which collectively took 2 weeks. This was completed on 23 September by Sorzano Construction.
An interim mechanical and electrical design period involved Tierney Architects working to their brief of creating a community Café and Event Space.
The Phase 1 refurbishment works continued internally from with the demolition and strip out works of the old bar, fixtures and the redundant stair lift and radiators. After asbestos analysis, further demolition of the old suspended ceilings was completed, followed by the complete electrical strip out of redundant wiring and fixtures as these were condemned.
The Phase 1 works were completed in 2023, with the venue open for testing with various community events between September and December 2023.
Phase Two (now complete)
Phase 2 started in January 2024. This includes the installation of a new accessible passenger lift, fitting out the toilets, and working with the operator to fit out to their specs for opening in May 2024.
This is a big investment for the Westway Trust on behalf of communities, particularly in difficult financial times, but closed buildings deteriorate, and we are committed to making as much space available for use as possible.
