At Bloom, community engagement isn’t a side note, it’s a cornerstone of how we build. That belief was on full display this past Saturday when our team, along with volunteers from Laburnum Boat Club, came together for a day of painting, prepping, and purpose.
The goal? To kick off early works on the refurbishment of Laburnum’s much-loved A-frame clubhouse, ahead of professional painters arriving this week. With the plaster newly finished, the timing was perfect for a mist coat… and even more perfect for community collaboration.
Social Value in Action
The day was more than just a volunteer effort, it was a hands-on demonstration of what social value means at Bloom. From project managers to trustees, everyone pitched in. By involving members and volunteers directly in the early-stage works, we created something more than just smoother walls: we built ownership and pride.
It’s easy to talk about putting people at the heart of projects, but it’s another thing entirely to show up on a Saturday, paintbrush in hand.
Fuelled by Coffee and Collaboration
Keeping the crew energised was a steady flow of cold brew coffee, generously provided by our sister company, All Things Bloom, plus a well-earned pizza lunch that brought everyone together to share stories and laughter.
The atmosphere was relaxed, but the impact was real.
A Refurbishment That Respects the Past
The Laburnum Boat Club’s clubhouse isn’t just a building, it’s a piece of the community’s fabric. As we move forward with the refurbishment, we’re committed to delivering sensitive renovations that preserve the structure’s iconic A-frame and exposed beams, while extending and improving its facilities for future generations.
Building With Care and Purpose
This project reflects the very heart of Bloom’s mission: delivering high-quality retrofit and refurbishment works with a focus on collaboration, sustainability, and community value. Whether it’s a £5 million retrofit in central London or a Saturday spent painting a community clubhouse, our approach remains the same, to respect the space, involve the people, and build something better.
To the volunteers, trustees, and all who joined us: thank you. You’ve helped lay the groundwork (literally and figuratively) for what promises to be a transformative project.
Stay tuned for updates as the refurbishment progresses, and if you’re ever near Laburnum, pop by and see what community-first construction looks like in action.
