Always on
This project successfully funded on 28th February 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
A playtower for the community — by the community
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Aim
Help RUSS bring the Ladywell Playtower back to life — and keep it in local hands, forever.
Help us bring the Playtower back to life — and keep it in local hands, forever
A Playtower for the community — by the community
The Playtower was the vibrant centre of community life in Ladywell for generations. But for years, this local landmark has slowly deteriorated. After the failure of the most recent commercial development scheme, the Playtower is now at risk of ruin.
We feel that it’s time for the future of the Playtower to be put into the hands of the people who know it best – our community.
RUSS, the local Community Land Trust responsible for developing 12 Church Grove, has brought together a group of social enterprises, local businesses and community partners to submit an Expression of Interest to Lewisham Council for renovating the Playtower and the surrounding site.
Our ambition is simple but powerful
We want to transform the Playtower into a thriving, creative, mixed-use centre and affordable living complex — and to ensure it remains under local control in perpetuity.
Why we need your help — right now
Submitting a high-quality Expression of Interest isn’t cheap. And unlike commercial developers. we don't have a large tendering budget. To put forward a serious, professional proposal, we need to raise at least £8,000. We’ve already raised £3,000 from local supporters. Now we’re asking the wider community to help us raise the final £5,000. Your support will pay for:
- Architectural and design input
- Community-led consultation and modelling
- Technical and financial feasibility work
- Coordination and submission costs
Please give whatever you can, but we are especially asking people to donate at the following levels:
£25 - 'I Believe'
£50 - 'Community Builder'
£100 - 'Founding Supporter'
£250 - 'Founding Champion'
We don’t just want your donation, we want your participation too
We’re not just asking for money. We’re inviting you into the process. We are running two weekends of playful, hands-on community design and consultation at The Hub, 12 Church Grove, Ladywell SE13 7UU on the following dates:
- Sat 31st Jan - 11am - 1pm
- Sun 1st Feb - 2pm - 4pm
- Sat 7th Feb - 11am - 1pm
- Sun 8th Feb - 2pm - 4pm
You’ll be able to:
- Work creatively with designers and a physical model of the site
- Share ideas for how the Playtower could be used
- Help shape a future space that truly serves the community
Your donation supports both the bid and the inclusive processes behind it.
Why this matters
If communities don’t step up, assets like the Playtower are at risk of being decided for us, not by us. And if we don’t do something soon, the Playtower will be beyond repair.
By backing this crowdfunder, you’re helping to:
- Keep a cherished local building in community hands
- Prove that local people can lead regeneration responsibly
- Lay the groundwork for long-term social, cultural and economic benefit
Please give. Together, we can do this.
- Donate today
- Share this campaign via your social media networks
- Come and help design the future
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made