Save the Livesey! Legal fighting fund

The Livesey Memorial Hall has been at the heart of the communities of Bell Green, Sydenham, SE6, for over a century. A working man's club, originally part of Sydenham Gasworks, it is a stunning listed building, built in memory of Sir George Livesey, the Chairman of the South Suburban Gas Company. There is a separately listed war memorial, dedicated to the gasworkers who fought and died in two world wars.

The Livesey is an Asset of Community Value, so the tenants were shocked when property developers asked to visit, as they were intending to buy it a few days later. This is despite the fact that the ACV requires Kier Property, the club's landlord, to follow a set procedure, and give the community a chance to bid.

The Friends of the Livesey is being formed to protect the historic buildings, and take legal action to fight for the community's right to use it for its original purpose. We are fundraising to raise £30,000 to pay for a legal team. Should there be an amicable resolution, any money remaining would be dedicated to improving the dilapidated condition of the property.