‘Mad ideas!’ Winchester youth club future meeting

Published: 11 March 2010
by JOSIE HINTON

THE Winchester youth club in Swiss Cottage has opened its doors to reveal a new vision for the future.

The popular club, which began life in 1973 when activists took over an abandoned Victorian pub in Winchester Road and turned it into a facility for disadvantaged young people, is badly in need of renovation.

Around 200 visitors piled into the “Winch” centre on Thursday to hear suggestions for the future of the five-floor building. A design brief was put together following a survey launched at the Swiss Cottage summer festival to find out what people want from the facility.

“We need to be constantly questioning ourselves and others about what’s orthodox, what’s acceptable, what’s reasonable – we need to mix a bit of madness with our measure,” said Paul Perkins, the Winch’s ­director.

“Young people who often don’t feel part of their surroundings also need to have a place they can call their own. That’s really what the Winch is about.”

Guests were shown initial plans for the new building, put together by a firm of architects working pro-bono. The finalised design is still being developed. 

Anyone with ideas for the Winch is urged to get in touch on 020 7586 8731 or email: info@winchesterproject.org.uk.