1) To facilitate our own and other organisation's educational and creative activities in the London boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets in premises that we maintain 2) To pro-actively network our own and similar educational activities by other organisations that are in line with our own.
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In 1995, the residents of Beck Road, led by local artist Frances Quesnel (who passed away in 2023), established a community centre in the North Arch. This disused railway arch was leased from Railtrack PLC specifically for use as a community center, serving as a hub for arts, education, and leisure activities. Under Frances's leadership, a dedicated team worked tirelessly to clean up and refurbish the North Arch, transforming it into a vibrant community space and artistic venue. Over the past 29 years, the North Arch has remained a vital resource for local artists and residents alike. Frances's vision and dedication led to the development of the organization into a registered charity, the London Community Network, ensuring that the center could continue to benefit future generations.
Throughout its existence, the North Arch has served as the headquarters for the Beck Road Residents' Association, which has achieved significant milestones, notably contributing to the designation of the Beck Road area as a protected conservation area in partnership with Hackney Council.
Moreover, the North Arch has functioned as a collaborative space for fostering innovative art and community enrichment by facilitating the sharing and promotion of various activities within the centre.
The endeavours of both the charity and the North Arch itself have played a pivotal role in nurturing the growth of numerous successful artists and architectural designers within the community.
Continuing on this trajectory, several ongoing projects are recognized for their innovative nature, exemplified by initiatives such as the recently launched Arts in the Arches program earlier this year.