A charity set up three years ago with a vision to help communities has moved to a new bigger location within Kilburn.

The South Kilburn Trust (SKT) is now officially based at The Granville, in Carlton Vale, following the completion of the first phase of Brent Council’s multi million Granville/Carlton regeneration project.

The top two floors of the Granville have been refurbished allowing SKT to move in.

The development of the main hall on the lower floor is now underway to transform the entire building into a purpose-built enterprise hub for entrepreneurs and organisations and create a community space with an open public area, a café and increased access to the garden.

Mark Allan, SKT chief executive said: “Our move to The Granville is the first part of our plan to create a multi-purpose space in The Granville open to everyone in the local community, we’ve unpacked and are starting to settle into our new home.

“Although for now the trust’s services will operate from various venues in the community, due to the refurbishment works still taking place on the ground floors, this move will enable us to physically be based in the heart of the community - which is very important to us - before the new-look Granville officially opens in spring 2018.

“This is a very exciting time for the South Kilburn Trust and we can’t wait to finally see The Granville come to life again.”

Barnardo’s Children’s Centre and Granville Plus Nursery School (GPNS) continue to operate in the Carlton Centre next door where the popular Granville Community Kitchen, which operated in the main hall, has moved to temporarily to run its Friday night free meals club.

The Otherwise Club, a group supporting home schooled families, is moving temporarily to The Salvation Army Hall, in Chichester Road.

Cllr Shama Tatler, cabinet member for regeneration, growth, employment and skills for at Brent Council said: “Partnering with local residents and organisations helps make sure that the much-needed facilities we’re building meet the needs of the community. Regeneration is about more than just new bricks and mortar.”

The second phase of the Granville/Carlton project is scheduled to be submitted for planning approval in September 2018.