R. Benson Property Maintenance Ltd was delighted to support the transformation of the Factory Quarter Community Hub in Acton, creating a safer, more welcoming and functional space for Nourished Routes CIC.
Completed during the February half-term, the social value project was delivered in partnership with Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) and Nourished Routes. The improvements will support the organisation’s valuable cooking, nutrition and wellbeing activities for local children and families.
Giving Materials a Second Life
As one of NHG’s planned kitchen and bathroom contractors, R. Benson was ideally placed to complete the project. Our team repurposed unused kitchen units and worktops from previously omitted NHG works, giving good-quality materials a second life while reducing waste.
The works included:
- Removing an unsafe bookshelf
- Designing and building a bespoke seated storage bench
- Replacing mismatched cupboards and open storage with coordinated kitchen units
- Repainting and refreshing the community space
- Improving storage, organisation and visibility
- Providing additional materials for future improvements
- Donating pots, ceramic pens and soil for children’s Mother’s Day activities
These practical improvements have created a brighter, calmer and more professional environment that supports effective supervision and safeguarding.
Supporting Children’s Nutrition and Wellbeing
Led by Managing Director Helen Mullings, Nourished Routes CIC delivers engaging after-school clubs that help children learn about nutrition, healthy eating and wellbeing.
Each week, the children (known as “Adventurers”) explore a themed menu and learn more about the ingredients they use. Quizzes, games, cooking activities and ingredient-based challenges give them the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about food.
The improved facilities provide a more suitable setting for these activities while enabling children to take greater pride in their surroundings and become more independent in looking after the space.
Helen said: “The transformation has been nothing short of wonderful. The Hub now feels lighter, safer and far more purposeful. Children are taking greater pride in the environment, putting things away independently and treating the space with care.”
Creating a Lasting Community Benefit
In addition to supporting Nourished Routes’ existing activities, the refurbishment has increased the Hub’s potential as a venue for bookings and wider community use. This will help generate income that can be reinvested in local activities and programmes.
Helen added: “The impact of your work will be felt every single day by children, families, staff and the wider community. Thank you for your care, generosity and attention to detail.”
This project is a fantastic example of partnership in action: combining the vision and local knowledge of Nourished Routes, the support of NHG and the practical skills of the R. Benson team.
Paul Burgess, Contract Manager at R. Benson, said: “I am extremely proud of Gheorghe Covasa and the team for the care, enthusiasm and skill they brought to this project. Gheorghe led the work brilliantly, finding practical ways to repurpose materials and create a welcoming space that will make a lasting difference to the children, families and staff who use the Hub.”
We would like to thank everyone who helped bring the project together, with particular thanks to Rosie Edwards from NHG for coordinating the initiative and to our employees who gave their time and expertise to deliver such a positive transformation.
R. Benson is proud to support projects that make meaningful, lasting improvements within the communities where we work.