High Road celebrations underway

Bruce Castle Museum, Bernie Grant Arts Centre, and North London Community House in Bruce Grove are partnering to celebrate Tottenham High Road.

The arts organisations will create ‘Hi Culture’ − a programme of creative events inspired by local stories and memories of the High Road, taking place from 2022–2023, as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme.

Haringey Council was awarded £2million from the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) − a £95m government-funded programme, delivered by Historic England, which aims to make high streets across the UK more attractive, engaging, and vibrant for people to use.

The four-year long Heritage Action announced that it would be forced to close the shop – its cultural space − to become an online retailer only.

A crowdfunding campaign was promptly launched to save the premises, surpassing the original target of £35,000 within 48 hours, and raising £84,437 in eight days.

New Beacon Books has thanked all who contributed to the crowdfunding total, in particular praising the actor and poet, Francesca Gilbert, and Nyasha Fraser who initiated the online appeal.

In a statement, the publisher said: “The incredible response from the community has made New Zone scheme will provide funding for the refurbishment of Grade 2 heritage listed buildings in Bruce Grove, including Bruce Grove Youth Space, currently Haringey’s only council owned youth centre.

Five local organisations in total will deliver the cultural programme, which will run the length of the Heritage Action Zone, (from Bruce Grove to Tottenham Green). The commissioned events aim to complement the heritage restoration works taking place in the area, highlighting the local identity of Tottenham, and marking it as a cultural destination.

For more information. Visit: berniegrantcentre.co.uk

Email: [email protected]