Published: 18 May, 2012

• HIGHBURY Roundhouse says a big thank-you to the Tribune for reporting the launch of our fundraising campaign (‘Go-it-alone’ Roundhouse gets cash boost, May 11).

Many readers will know that we have embarked on an ambitious project to build a community centre at the back of our site in Ronalds Road.

The old ‘bottleworks’ building, which has been our home for nearly 40 years, is soon to be demolished.

It’s still “business as usual”.

We are operating out of our offices at 71 Ronalds Road and providing our usual services and activities at five other temporary venues.

Most of the money for the new building will come from outside funding bodies, but they will want to see that the community is willing to invest in its future. So our fundraising is vitally important.

One thing that may not have emerged from last week’s report is that Islington Council is fully supporting our efforts.

We have signed an agreement whereby, if all goes well, we will have a new fit-for-purpose centre and the council will give us a 99-year lease. So the Roundhouse will be safe for generations to come.

There will be housing on the remainder of the site but the council will not start to develop that until next year – giving us a head start.

We have appointed an architect, who has conducted a site inspection and viewed it from the perspective of our neighbours. We want a building that will not only meet our needs but complements the neighbourhood.

If you want to follow our progress go to www.savehighbury roundhouse.co.uk where we will show how the design evolves, give details of fundraising and tell you how you can help us.

TONY MILLER
Secretary, Highbury Roundhouse