About Us

Based in London’s West End, Fitzrovia Community Centre is a community hub which brings together local residents, businesses, public services, and community organisations to share skills, talents, and ideas. We provide high-quality, fully-accessible facilities on two floors, including a courtyard garden and a commercial-standard kitchen. Our garden is an oasis of calm in an area which suffers high traffic, pollution, and a lack of green space.

We aim to improve the quality of life of those who live, work, and study in Fitzrovia and surrounding areas. We provide a range of health, educational, cultural, recreational, and social opportunities which strengthen social links and break down barriers within and between communities. We support all members of the Fitzrovia community, prioritising those with the greatest need.

Our History

When parts of Middlesex Hospital closed towards the end of the 1990s, the site was sold for redevelopment. The Section 106 agreement between Camden Council and the developer included the creation of a community centre. A space on the ground floor and lower ground floor of John Astor House was identified, including a small courtyard overlooked by residential properties and a disused Victorian swimming pool. The building was owned by UCL Hospitals Trust at the time and was used as key worker accommodation for doctors and nurses working at the hospital.

Most locals are not aware of the tunnels which ran under Foley Street, All Souls Primary School, and across to the former main site of the hospital on Mortimer Street, which allowed staff to travel quickly and safely to their shifts. In fact, we have access to part of one of those tunnels, which we use as a storeroom. John Astor House is now owned by Notting Hill Genesis housing association and continues to be inhabited by key workers, students and others.

After many years in the making, thanks to the tireless efforts of local activists and council officers alike, the Centre officially opened on 28th June 2012. So we have celebrated our tenth anniversary!

An interesting aspect of the Centre is that it is one of Camden Council’s community centres, but it sits on Westminster soil! We therefore enjoy the best of both worlds and are very much a part of the communities of both boroughs.