This summer, Coram’s Fields will begin work to convert an old outbuilding into a brand new electrical sub-station. Over two years ago, the Charity’s Board made a commitment to find an alternative to the use of diesel to power a number of community and corporate events that have, for a number of years, formed part of our annual calendar.
Two years on and thanks to the incredible support of a wide range of stakeholders, we will finally begin construction on the new sub-station, with the project due for completion by the end of the summer.
Those that know Coram’s Fields well will know that our site is home to a range of large events each year. From the annual Camden Mela and Camden Unity Cup hosted by partners KCBNA and Fitzrovia Youth in Action, to our very own National Play Day and hugely popular fireworks events, which when combined attract over 10,000 children, young people and families every year. Alongside our community events, we also host a large corporate marquee during the quieter winter period and for the last ten years, the income generated from the marquee has provided vital funds to support the running of our park, playgrounds and sports facilities for the local community.
The last year has seen Coram’s Fields income plummet as a result of the COVID pandemic. Despite this our commitment to the project has remained. Once complete, the new sub-station will transform the way we power all our events at Coram’s Fields, removing the need for diesel generators by providing clean, green energy, directly from the electrical grid. In doing so, we will not only be protecting the children and young people that use our space from the now known harmful effects of diesel, we will also be protecting the income that we receive from events, funding that will be more important than ever, as we continue our recovery from the pandemic.
Stakeholders
Getting to this stage is without doubt a huge milestone for a charity of our size and wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Camden Council and a number of key stakeholders. We very much look forward to celebrating the completion of the project in August this year but in the meantime, want to thank the following people for their support.
- Camden Council: In particular local councillors for financially supporting the project with a £100K of Community Infrastructure Levy/s.106 funding and the Camden Planning team for their supporting in getting the project agreed so quickly, despite the impact of pandemic.
- Awesome Events: For their considerable financial investment in the project and their general commitment in getting the project over the line.
- UK Power Network: For their generous support and input throughout and general pro activity in supporting the process from design to construction (particular thanks to Gavin Forrester, David Gabbitas and Basil Scarsella.)
- Prewitt Bizley Architects: To Chris Jones and Robert Prewitt for their commitment (including pro bono support), energy and expert input in getting the project to this stage.
- David Friend (Jubb Engineering) for providing pro bono structural engineering advice on the project.
- Rhys Davis (Cudd Bentley) for his pro bono electrical design input.
- Edwin Coe: for providing heavily reduced cost legal advice in relation to the UKPN lease and various permissions relating to the works.
- Bryan Turner: For his commitment to take on the construction work at a heavily reduced cost.
- Richard Greeves (DWD LLP): for providing reduced cost valuation services for the valuation of the lease impact with UKPN.
- SIS Pitches: for offering to complete the works on our football pitches as a reduced cost.
- Littlewood fencing: For their generous donation of over 100 metres of Heras Fencing for the project.
Our progress
From 26th July for 4 weeks, our third football pitch (Brunswick Square side) will be closed for construction works for the project.
