Mosaic 1898’s Whetstone Hub Project – An inclusive community space in the heart of Blaby District.
It’s been a busy year for Mosaic 1898, a Leicester-based disability charity, since they embarked on an exciting journey to restore and revive an old, at-risk community asset in Whetstone. Their project promises to create a life-enhancing hub of care and support for disabled people and the local community.
The charity recently appointed Scope Construction as the principal contractor and inaugurated the build at a humble breaking ground ceremony, celebrating the moment with their people, partners and supporters as well as representatives from Blaby District Council.
Alberto, together with the charity’s Chairman, Steve Smith did the honours of putting the very first spade in the ground to mark the occasion.
In its 125th year, Mosaic 1898 purchased the site with an ambitious vision. The site consists of 3 buildings, each of which will be carefully transformed into accessible spaces for social good, including:
The Chapel: a space that has been serving the community for over 100 years, will be restored, and preserved, once again to become a place of opportunity, impact, and belonging for the local community.
The Community Building: will be a catalyst for the charity to reach more disabled people through new and existing services and activities. The building will become a truly accessible space, complete with changing, sensory, holistic therapy, and health check rooms.
The Manse: formerly the Church Office, is soon to become an around the clock, four-bed care facility. The Manse will provide sought after short breaks for disabled people with complex needs, while offering much needed respite to families and caregivers.
Alberto, an avid supporter said: “It was a privilege to be asked to help break the ground with the charity’s Chairman Steve Smith for the Mosaic 1898 inclusive community space. Having supported Mosaic 1898 over the last two years (including in its successful bid to receive money to help fund this conversion of the Old Baptist Church in Whetstone), I am struck by the passion that Zoheb and the team have for ensuring that this project supports those individuals that would benefit most from having such a lovely space within the heart of Whetstone.”
This project is supported by the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities, with a significant grant of £243,180. With work underway, the project promises to be launched later this year.
Zoheb Shariff, CEO, Mosaic 1898 said: We’re delighted to be celebrating this moment, a milestone that is a testament to our team, partners, supporters, and community. This is another feat in our charity’s long history that will no doubt be a catalyst to further our work to enrich the lives of disabled people by creating spaces where communities can thrive.
