More Community Space to Be Provided in Perceval House
Lib Dems want council to accelerate conversion of rooms for public use
The Elizabeth Cantwell Room in Perceval House. Picture: Ealing Council
May 29, 2025
Ealing Council has begun work on the refurbishment of office space in Perceval House which will eventually allow it to be used by community groups.
The council says that the space on the ground floor by the south atrium will become a community hub available for events and exhibitions.
A significant amount of office space in the building is unused following the shift to hybrid working after the pandemic.
Liberal Democrat Cllr Connie Hersch has suggested more of the empty space could be rented for offices. Her enquiries revealed that peak usage of desks is about 800 members of staff (about a third of the workforce), as many work from home and front-line staff are out in the community. In addition, it was found that, especially at the end of the week on Thursdays and Fridays, many desks are free and could be used by the community.
The council says that for security reasons only ground floor space can currently be shared.
The Lib Dems have accused the administration of timing the opening up of the ground floor, which is expected to happen this November, to be ahead of the local elections next May. The council denies this saying that work has been ongoing for over a year.
Cllr Hersch who is Opposition Spokesperson on Crime, Anti-Social Behaviour, Communities & Culture said, “The Ealing Liberal Democrats are keen to see better usage of Perceval House for local communities and small businesses. This is available space which could be let at preferential rates to support and stimulate communities in the borough. I am pleased that there is finally some progress, but it shows that Ealing Labour are slow and indecisive in moving forward and have only just woken up as the next round of local elections loom!“
An Ealing Council spokesperson said, “To clarify, works that have recently started in the south atrium on the ground floor of Perceval House are part of the council’s exciting plans to transform the space into a vibrant, welcoming hub at the heart of our community.
“The new civic and community space will be flexible, and available to host events and exhibitions, while also offering secure, flexible rooms for civic events and community use.
“Anyone can currently hire rooms and spaces in the north atrium via the council’s hospitality and events team. We operate a community rate for registered charities and local non-profit making organisations that meet the criteria set out in the policy as outlined on the Ealing Venues website.
“The works to office space on the higher floors of Perceval House referred to by the Lib Dems have been ongoing for over a year.
“Currently, it is not possible to safely share the office space above the ground floor with non-council staff because of security risks.
"The council is in the process of reviewing its workplace strategy and completing works to the upper floors and will look to commercially market any available office space at Perceval House including to partners and local community organisations, when this is complete."
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