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Search the Public Notice PortalA former Wetherspoon pub in Forest Gate could be transformed and turned into a community centre if plans are approved next week.
Hudson Bay in Upton Lane closed its doors to the public in July 2023 and is now vacant.
The pub giant announced it was selling the boozer, along with Miller’s Well in East Ham in September 2022, stating it was a “commercial decision”.
Quwwat-Ul-Islam Society, a charity which provides Islamic education and is responsible for Quwwatul Islam Masjid which is also located on Upton Lane, submitted a planning application to Newham Council at the end of last year.
Under the plans, the former pub’s ground floor and basement would be transformed to provide a “flexible” community space that would run every day of the week from 9am to 7pm.
Meanwhile some of the former beer garden would be turned into an outbuilding and will have a Ghusl.
Quwwat-Ul-Islam Society plan to host language classes, study groups, social clubs for the elderly, fitness classes, youth clubs, parent and toddler sessions, IT skills classes and vocational training.
The charity said the community centre is “open to all, regardless of age and faith”, but especially for young people due to the high levels of deprivation in the borough.
A planning statement partially reads: “[The charity] is open to establishing employment and health hubs and are working closely with Newham Money and the NHS.
“The facility is much needed especially within the south Asian community, but the aim is to offer facilities to all as the [charity] strongly believes in inclusivity. Currently the [charity’s] organisation serves a very large south Asian community in the Forest Gate area, but the proposed community facility will also be available to the wider community.”
A public consultation that took place earlier this year saw 15 people respond in support while 12 people have objected to the plans.
Those in support said the plans would benefit the local community, including both the elderly and the young, while another person said it was an improvement compared to when it was a Wetherspoon.
Those against the plans said the former pub should instead be used for housing, while others raised concerns over potential parking issues.
The plans have been recommended for approval, but will be decided upon during a local development committee meeting next week (Monday, September 23).
