About Us
Welcome to The Venture Centre, a cornerstone of our community since 1960. Nestled in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, we take immense pride in being home to the oldest OFSTED-registered Adventure Playground in the UK, a purpose-built Steel Panyard, and a vibrant Community Centre.
Our Community Commitment:
At our Community Centre, we believe in nurturing minds and fostering well-being. We offer a diverse range of adult learning programs, healthy living initiatives, and engaging community events. We are honored to collaborate with esteemed local partners such as the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Catalyst Housing Limited, NOVA, Westway Trust, The Childhood Trust, NHS Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Centre, Golborne Forum, Lighthouse Church, and Weight Watchers and so much more.
Unforgettable Adventures for Children:
Our pride, the Notting Hill Adventure Playground, invites local children aged 5-15 for free supervised adventure play. Here, we not only provide a safe space but also enrich young lives with arts and crafts, exciting sports activities, cooking classes, and enriching excursions.
Harmony in Steel:
Our Panyard resonates with the melodious tunes of the Glissando Steel Orchestra, a world-renowned steel band under the expert guidance of master pan maker, Bertrand Parris.
At The Venture Centre, we don't just build a community; we nurture a family. Join us in the spirit of togetherness, exploration, and learning. Together, we make our community stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.
"Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enhance the quality of life for local residents, irrespective of age, background, or beliefs."
Our Mission
Nestled in Golborne, North Kensington, the Venture Community Association, affectionately known as "The Venture Centre," seamlessly combines the country's oldest adventure playground, a vibrant community hub, and London's sole purpose-built steel pan rehearsal space. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enhance the quality of life for local residents, irrespective of age, background, or beliefs. We foster unity, offering a diverse array of opportunities and support, addressing needs, and nurturing aspirations.
Our core objective, as outlined in our governing document, revolves around promoting the well-being of North Kensington's inhabitants. Collaborating closely with local authorities, statutory providers, and fellow voluntary sector organizations, we alleviate poverty, advance education, and provide recreational facilities. We are dedicated to educating and empowering children and young people, enhancing their physical, mental, and spiritual capacities, guiding them toward becoming active, contributing members of society.
At the heart of our efforts is the facilitation of accessible educational and recreational activities, fostering a safe, supportive atmosphere. We host partner organizations, organize informative newsletters and consultations, and maintain an open-access adventure playground and enrichment program, empowering young minds. We remain committed to innovative partnerships, uniting communities through education, leisure, and recreational initiatives, all guided by the Charity Commission's principles, ensuring the fulfillment of our objectives.
Our History
In 1943, landscape architect C.T. Sorenson pioneered the concept of adventure playgrounds in Copenhagen, observing that children often preferred makeshift spaces like building sites over purpose-built playgrounds. Sorenson provided waste building materials, allowing children to enjoy a playground with an element of risk without being life-threatening, simultaneously curbing vandalism and juvenile delinquency.
Notting Hill Adventure Playground has a unique origin; it emerged from the remnants of an old church bombed during World War Two. Resourceful children transformed the space, crafting structures and swings from debris and materials scattered in the aftermath. A year later, Pat Smythe supervised the children, ensuring a safe play environment.