Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, joined by staff, and members of Shadwell Women’s Group at the opening of the new learning labs
Three new, state-of-the-art learning spaces have been officially opened at Idea Store Watney Market.
The new ‘learning labs,’ which will be used for adult learning courses, come fully equipped with hi-tech measures including noise minimising measures, smart boards for hybrid conferencing and full internet access.
They will also be used by WorkPath service staff and clients and will also be available for regular activities such as book groups, prime time activities for those age 50 and over, women’s groups, and conversation clubs.
The largest of the three learning labs has a hi-res projector for film showings and can hold up to 50 people, while the other two labs can hold up to 20 people each.
Officially opening the new learning labs on 8 January, Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, said:
“We continue to invest in our Idea Stores and offer a range of facilities for the benefit of local communities.
“With these three new ultra-modern learning labs, Idea Store Watney Market is now aligned with other Idea Stores and can accommodate a full adult learning programme alongside other advice and support services, improving the life chances of local people.”
Rehnuma Hasheem, Chair of the Shadwell Women’s Group which meets weekly at the Idea Store, said:
“The new spaces are fantastic. They will give us more room and privacy for more activities such as exercise classes, career training and other learning.
“The women are fascinated with the new facilities and are keen to make use of them, especially to explore employment opportunities.”
The learning labs have been funded through Section 106, which is funding collected by the council from developers through the planning process, to then be invested in projects which benefit local people.
The learning labs are also available to hire through TH Venues, to help sustain the Idea Store service.
Posted on Friday 10th January 2025