The community centre is located at the heart of North Downham, in south London, and opened in May 1939.

The Goldsmiths Company and the National Fitness Council funded the £15,000 cost of building the centre to serve the northern extension of the Downham estate, which began construction in 1937. Messrs. Wates, of Sydenham, constructed the centre.

It is amazing to think that this large purpose built centre was not only opened four months before war was declared in 1939 but continued to provide activities for everyone throughout, including dancing, comedy shows, the youth club, church meetings and flower and vegetable shows.

Much thought went in to the planning of the Goldsmiths to cater for everyone young and old on the new estate, as it was then. The Goldsmiths Company, the London Council for Social Service and the National Fitness Council worked together to provide a place where local people could learn, be fit and healthy and enjoy themselves.

Follow the links below to find out how the community centre was planned and to listen to local people's stories. Find out about the history of Downham from the Downham Originals