New cultural hub is based in Albert Road

Brent & Kilburn Times: The Albert officially launched in Albert Road, South Kilburn last night.The Albert officially launched in Albert Road, South Kilburn last night. (Image: Copyright: Mr. Jan Nevill)

Residents in South Kilburn were celebrating last night following the launch of a new arts and community centre.

Hundreds of residents packed into the building, in Albert Road, for a special party complete with singers, dancers and artistic displays.

The venue, in Albert Road, South Kilburn, is set to become a new cultural hub offering activities including art, live performances, sports, cooking and music for local residents.

Cllr George Crane, lead member for regeneration and major projects at Brent Council, who helped unveil the centre, said: “Projects like these show clear support from the council in finding inventive and creative schemes that encourage community cohesion and creates opportunities for employment and learning during these tough times.”

The Albert, which comprises of the former British Legion building and Albert Road Day Care Centre, is a meanwhile project which has been developed by a team of more than 50 creative practitioners.

Meanwhile projects, which have been successful in both Willesden Green and Wembley, seek to use empty buildings for creative and inspirational purposes and the projects aims to contribute towards the wider regeneration of the South Kilburn area.

Ulrike Steven, Director of the The Albert project, said: “We wanted to offer local residents, in addition to our talented tenants, a space to play.

“We hope The Albert will become a hub of the local community, where people pop

in for a drink in the café, or take the time to sign up and enjoy a free class from some of the UK’s finest emerging talent.”

Throughout the next few months the centre will offer workshops in writing, cooking, drawing, photography, movement and dance to local residents and will host events such as film screenings, performances, talent nights and pop-up restaurants.

To find out more and sign up for activities, visit www.thealbert.org