Case Study: Europa Weightlifting Club
Europa Weightlifting Club is one of the organisations that sought out funding from this initial programme. Their goal was to refurbish a rundown youth centre and gym in Temple Hill which had been deprived of funding for the past fifty years. The building was left in a dire state, lacking hot water and suffering from damp.
Europa started raising money, wanting to provide a refurbished youth centre and gym that the local schools could use. Offering the children a safe space to enjoy and engage in a variety of activities, from table tennis to dance.
Their first opportunity came with a grant from Sport England, allowing for the outdoor activity canopy to be built. There was still much to be done but it was a start. COVID unfortunately led to building work and support slowing down, but in 2022 Europa applied for support from the Dartford Neighbourhood CIL Fund.
The building was made secure by installing cameras across the entire perimeter. Alongside this, the multi-use game area that had been condemned 15 years prior, was resurfaced, slowly transforming the youth centre into a safe and accessible place.
Thanks to this support, Europa was given a chance to show what they could do and the difference that can be made. It’s encouraged other schemes to get involved in aiding their funding, allowing the youth club and gym to finally open in 2024 after being shut for almost 2 years. These 'before and after' photos show the transformation!
2018
2023