Latest Updates

After a lengthy process, we are delighted to announce that the sale for development of the plot of land adjacent to Alford House was completed on Monday 27th February 2023. This is wonderful news. 

The next phase can now begin: planning for the extensive refurbishment of the Club buildings which date back to 1897 and suffered extensive bomb damage during the war.

The refurbishment includes essential repair and maintenance to the building structure, as well as the relocation of key facilities such as the fitness centre and breakout spaces.  The opportunity for a ‘facelift’ at this scale will allow the Club to improve the quality of service to its members, the young people of Lambeth, as well as safeguarding its future by ensuring the building is sound for years to come

Alford@70 is a two-phase project. Following two years of preparation and fundraising we were able to start Phase 1 in November 2023; it is on course to be completed soon in April 2024. Phase 1 has involved the refurbishment and re-roofing of our North Building and the creation of a new fitness suite. During the work in the North Building, we have been able to run Club activities for young people in the South Building. When we start Phase 2, the work on the South Building, we will continue Club activities in the North Building.

We are currently seeking funding for Phase 2 which will include re-roofing the South Building, relocating the fitness suite from its temporary home to its new location (completed in Phase 1), refurbishing the sports hall and creating the youth hub with its new music studio, work room and cafe. This Phase also includes a relaxing area and meeting room for one-to-one work by the youth workers with individuals. A lift is included in the plans which will increase accessibility. The most exciting and impactful aspect of Phase 2 is that, when completed, we will be able to offer young people greatly enhanced resources over significantly more hours each week.

When Alford@70 is complete, the buildings and spaces within them will greatly increase what the Club provides for our members. At its heart will be 1884, our youth hub, a safe space where they will be able to do homework, play games, get refreshments, use our fitness and music studios or just socialise with friends. In the refurbished sports hall, they will be able to play unihoc and football and to roller skate. The hub will be open not only in the evenings as now but also after school, a period of potential vulnerability for young people. Alford@70 also includes the increase in our youth worker resources to enable our professional staff and volunteers to spend more time with the most vulnerable.