Colvestone Primary School is now an Asset of Community Value

On 19 December Hackney Council accepted the local Dalston community's nomination,  and has registered, Colvestone School as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).  Although the school itself was official closed last August, the ACV decision recognised that the building and land are "of community value" and future uses could serve "the social well being or social interest of the local community" in the forseeable future. 

Hackney declared 4 of its 58 community primary schools, including Colvestone Primary School, redundant for educational purposes in December 2023 because of falling numbers of children enrolling. Housing costs driving families out of London was one factor cited.( For years Hackney has consistently failed to insist that developers meet its targets to build new affordable family housing in Dalston . Ed.) Hackney said it would lose £30million of government pupil subsidy overall in 2022/23 due to 20% unfilled places. 

Designed by architect Thomas Knightly, and built in 1862, Colvedstone School was one of six purpose built Birkbeck schools. Heritage England listed the school, and its forecourt railings, as Grade II in 1977 and it was recorded as being of the "highest quality" and an "exceptional public building" in the appraisal of Dalston's St. Mark's Conservation Area in 2008. 

Replying to Save Colvestone School campaign about future uses of the school the Council stated that "We will seek to preserve the buildings which have a rich history and heritage where possible...it is very difficult to find financially sustainable uses...We will take into account the views of the local community and the needs of the neighbourhood..."

The community's nomination to make the school an Asset of Community Value identified a number of  educastionsal and other uses for the school which are sustainable, are needed locally, and which would be of community benefit (Of which more soon. Ed.)