Mayor Rahman cuts a cake to celebrate Idea Store Watney Market's 10th anniversary
Residents braved the cold to show their support for Idea Store Watney Market as it marked its official reopening and 10th anniversary.
The Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman met with dozens of residents on 18 January to officially reopen Idea Store Watney Market which had been closed during the pandemic.
The reopened Idea Store has extended opening hours to ensure the community can benefit from all of the resources available including a dedicated children’s library, study spaces, adult education classes on-site and access to WorkPath, - the council’s job brokerage service.
The Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman said:
“Our Idea Stores are community hubs. Many of our Idea Stores now house Residents’ Hubs meaning you can get face to face advice and support on a range of issues from housing, benefits, council tax and employment.
“All of the Idea Stores host daily rhyme time sessions for young children, afterschool clubs and specialist clubs like Prime Time and book groups. We also have our Warm Hubs on site to help during the cold weather providing a safe space and refreshments for those who need it.”
Members of The Shadwell Women’s Club which meets every Wednesday at the Idea Store attended the celebratory event.
Rehnuma Hasheem, Founder of The Shadwell Women’s Club said:
“Our club is a lifeline for many, and we are so lucky to have the Idea Store which hosts our club.
“Many of our members do not know about the support and facilities on offer in the borough as some cannot speak English fluently. We help each other to access support and provide friendship and comfort.”
Shadwell resident Nazma Khatun highlighted the libraries afterschool provision and holiday activities as being “vital” for young people to create a love for reading and learning. She said:
“I am so pleased the council is investing in the library and that it is back open to the public. The Saturday activity sessions are always packed, and my children love going to the library.
“The Idea Stores are not your traditional libraries they are modern beautiful buildings where you can explore, learn and are never told to be quiet. It is a place where the young and old can meet and pursue their interests.”
Idea Store members get many benefits including visiting The Tower of London for £1. Find out more about your local Idea Store at www.ideastore.co.uk
Posted on Monday 29th January 2024