Turning underused spaces into community assets

How MRI Software is supporting the London Borough of Hackney to uncover the full potential of local community hubs

Across the London Borough of Hackney, community spaces hold huge potential but many remain underused, under-equipped, or not fully aligned to the needs of the people they’re designed to serve.

For residents, that can mean fewer opportunities to connect, learn new skills, or access vital services close to home. For the council and local organisations, it creates an opportunity in transforming these assets into thriving, inclusive spaces that truly work for their communities.

Hackney Borough Council set out a clear vision – to empower residents and grassroots organisations to shape the future of their local spaces.

Through a combination of employee volunteering, technology enablement, and practical on-the-ground support, MRI Software is proud to work alongside Hackney to bring community-first spaces to life, starting with Napier Grove Community Centre in Hoxton West.

A practical approach to lasting change

Together, Hackney and MRI are taking a hands-on, collaborative approach to transformation:

• Enhancing accessibility and usability
  Improving the readiness of community spaces so they are easier for residents to access and use.
• Supporting digital inclusion
  Increasing access to technology within a trusted local environment, helping residents connect to services, skills and employment opportunities.
• Investing in people and place
  Combining council leadership, community insight, and MRI’s resources to create spaces that reflect real local needs.
• Enabling community ownership
  Supporting a model where residents and local organisations actively shape how spaces are used and evolve over time.

Delivering meaningful community impact

At Napier Grove Community Centre, this approach is already making a difference.

The space is becoming more welcoming, better equipped, and more aligned to the community it serves. This is laying the groundwork for increased participation, stronger social connections, and long-term resilience.

More importantly, it’s helping to create a model for sustainable, community-led transformation that can be replicated across the borough.

A responsible partnership approach

By bringing together local government, community organisations and technology partners, the London Borough of Hackney is able to unlock the full value of its community assets.

For residents, that means:

• Greater access to local services and support
• More opportunities to connect and collaborate
• Spaces that feel relevant, inclusive and built for them

For MRI, it highlights how social value can be embedded into real partnerships, delivering practical impact, not just intent.

Creating spaces that work for communities doesn’t happen by accident. It takes the right vision, the right partnerships, and the right support. MRI Software is proud to play its part in helping communities like Hackney connect, thrive and grow together.