Futures House services to resume in stages as roof repairs begin after blaze

The building closed after being hit by fire on Wednesday, August 12. At its height, eight fire engines and specialist vehicles and around 32 firefighters and specialist officers were at the scene.

Now, Marsh Farm Futures has confirmed that community groups and hall hires will return from this week, Monday, October 19.

In a statement, it said: “We know that the forced closure of Futures House has impacted the community and everyone who comes as a community user for our services and the groups who attend our halls as well as our tenants and regular customers at Café 1 and The Giggles. We know that these are small positive steps for the charity and the community we serve. Thank you for your continued understanding.”

Marsh Bears Nursery will hold an opening day on Monday, October 19, from 10am to 2pm, welcoming children, families and staff back as it prepares to resume its services in the Marsh Farm community.

Youth activities will restart this week, with Futurez Youth running on Tuesday, October 20, from 4pm to 6pm, and Junior Futurez on Thursday, October 22, 4pm to 6pm.

During the week commencing October 26, youth clubs will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, alongside half-term activities for local families. These will include a family screening of Night of the Zoopocalypse on Monday, October 26, from 10am to noon, and Stay and Play sessions on Tuesday, October 27, from 1pm to 3pm, and Friday, October 30, from 10am to noon.

From the week commencing November 2, youth clubs are expected to return to their usual schedule, alongside the return of Thursday coffee mornings and the community fridge on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Nearly all daytime and evening hall hires are also expected to be operating again from that week.

However, no return date has yet been confirmed for The Giggles or Café 1.

Opening and closing times will be updated weekly on the Marsh Farm Futures website here and Facebook page.