Tower Hamlets is one of London's poorest boroughs and the children and families attending St. Francis come from low income families. Often living in sub-standard accomodation and where economic and social pressure have resulted in family break up. A large number of children attending the centre come from single parent households. In addition, several children come from asylum seeking and refugee families who have experienced discrimination and violence in their home countries.
St. Francis' Family Centre supports the families by offering play schemes, after school groups, school counselling, toy library, summer holiday trips. The centre also offers various classes e.g. computing, first aid, self defense and keep fit.
The centre is to be a welcoming, accesible, sustainable and inspiring place for the children and their families as well as for the deprived local area.
Hans Haenlein Architects were appointed in November 2004 to help the management team develop a brief for the redevelopment of the existing facilities and to implement these proposals.
Quantity Surveyor: Gardiner & Theobald
Structural Consultant: to be appointed
Building Services Consultant: to be appointed
Key services: Brief Writing, Community Planning & Participation, Full Architectural Service, Design for the Disabled, Sustainable Design, Planning Advice, Interior Design
