THE SPACE
The Other Place is a RENS initiative. It is run by members of the community, for members of the community. All facilities are free to use and the activities run are all free to access – although we always welcome donations from funded projects!
The space is used for regular activities and special events. Some are public, some are for particular groups within the community, and some are private. There are classes, workshops, physical activities and gathering and celebrations of all kinds. Some take over the whole space.
We do not run a traditional booking system, and all bookings start with a conversation with a team members. We welcome all activities and events seek to build strong relationships and an inclusive and well-connected community, and the contribution all those who use the space make to its running and upkeep.
If you have ideas or suggestions, please do get in touch. You can send us an email, or just drop-in for a chat (core team members may not always be available, but there’s always someone who can show you around in the afternoons (12pm to 5pm).
A Public Living Room
Our public living room is open every afternoon on weekdays (12pm-5pm, Monday to Friday). Come and relax, help yourself to a cuppa and have a chat. We’d love to see you.
(We’ve also joined the excellent Camerados movement. Find out more and spread the word!)
A Community Kitchen
Our community kitchen is free to use for the preparation of vegetarian and vegan food. It can be used by community members to complement activities or booked for one-to-one teaching/support sessions. It is regularly used by members of the RENS team to prepare food to share, at planned events or informally with anyone who drops-in.
A Meeting Room
Our multi-purpose Meeting Room/Studio meets many community needs. It includes a large TV Screen, Soundbar, and Video conferencing capabilities. A large screen and short-throw projector are also available. The layout is flexible, with demountable tables, and flexible seating for up 30. In addition to meetings and workshops, it is used for art, yoga, dance, community markets, health events, community engagement, and more!
An Exhibition Space
Our exhibition spaces (with hanging system) We’ve hosted a wide variety of exhibitions including solo and group shows by professional and community artists, project-based exhibitions and information displays.
We welcome ideas for new exhibitions and provide support for hanging and promotion.
An Accessible Space
We have step-free access from the street and all our spaces are wheelchair accessible including one of our three toilets.
There is space for bike and mobility scooter parking and room for pushchairs and prams.
There is paid street parking immediately outside, and a drop-off bay.
A Green Space
All our electricity is generated entirely from renewables, and all our gas is natural biogas, meaning no fossil-fuels are used or need to be offset. Our lighting is low energy. We have an induction hob in the kitchen and participate in initiatives to reduce food waste. We avoid and discourage single use plastics. Our website is hosted by Krystal Hosting, a British B-Corp who use 100% renewable energy to power all their data centres.
A Workspace
We have free WiFi, laptops (Chromebooks) available for use and printing and scanning facilities (up to A3 size). We welcome community members and professionals alike, who would like to use the space to hot-desk. There is always space available in the afternoons, 12pm-5pm, (and support available for using the computers if needed).
A place for the unexpected...
With open doors to all, you never know who you might meet! Archie, an African Grey is one of our occassional visitors and made a special appearance to pose in front of the pan-African flag during Black History Month. More frequently, we see people make connections, of all kinds and for all purposes. Happy accidents are part of our DNA!