Centerprise loses court case against Hackney Council
On way out: Centerprise in Kingsland Road, Dalston. Photograph: Antonio Curcetti
A Black cultural centre is being forced to close after four decades following a rental dispute with Hackney Council.
The Centerprise Bookshop, cafe and meeting centre in Kingsland Road, Dalston, lost its court battle to try and stop Hackney Council hiking up its rent and has been ordered to hand over the keys to its premises within seven days.
At the London Central County Court Hackney Council demanded that Centerprise pay £50,000 rent which they said was outstanding from last June along with the council’s legal costs.
Judge Lydiard paid tribute to the “very worthwhile work” of the centre, saying: “It makes an impressive contribution to the local community.”
However, he upheld the council’s demands.
Centerprise boss Emmanuel Amevor said: “This is a very sad day for the Dalston community. After the war there is peace, but we don’t believe Hackney Council understands the language of peace.”
Along with its bookshop, which provides a platform for local writers, Centerprise offers educational support to local children in Hackney and hosts a Caribbean cuisine restaurant.
It also runs WordPower, Europe’s biggest black literature festival and book fair. The centre is run as a charity.
Centerprise had been paying a peppercorn rent of £10 per week but has been told they can no longer operate without agreeing to a huge rent hike.
Hackney Council has been asked for comment.
Update 4.27pm Tuesday 16 October 2012:
A Hackney Council spokesperson said: “For many months Hackney Council has committed to working with Centerprise to resolve this situation and despite our best efforts, unfortunately the Council was left with no option but to go to court.
“Centerprise were paying a rent of £520 per year for the use of this building for many years. That’s just 8p per square foot and significantly less than the subsidised rent rate of £4 per square foot.
“The Council has a responsibility to ensure that the tax payers of Hackney receive a fair rent for its buildings including 136-138 Kingsland High Street and given the great demand for buildings by the voluntary sector, that each group is treated the same.
“The Council has no intention of selling the building and it is committed to ensuring that it is used by a voluntary or community group to provide services to the people of Hackney.”
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