Key Points
- Jon Rowney, the new chief executive of Camden Council, visited The Winch, an award-winning community centre in Swiss Cottage, during his first visit to the centre since taking up his role in July 2025.
- The visit occurred yesterday, providing Mr Rowney an opportunity to meet children, young people, and residents to learn about the charity’s work across north Camden.
- Rashid Iqbal, chief executive at The Winch, welcomed Mr Rowney and highlighted the importance of community-led work, stating: “We were really pleased to welcome Jon to the Winch and to show how community-led work makes a real difference on the ground.”
- Mr Iqbal further emphasised: “Our building and spaces are critical to what we do, from play and youth work to neighbourhood organising and sustained investment is essential if we’re going to continue supporting our community for the long term.”
- The Winch works with more than 70 schools and organisations and supports over 1,600 residents each year, delivering programmes focused on inclusion, wellbeing, and opportunity.
- The Winch recently won the Localith Community Heritage Award for revitalising the historic Belsize Library into a vibrant hub.
- During the visit, Mr Rowney toured the centre, spoke with members of the Winch Children’s Council, and engaged with young people involved in youth programmes focusing on wellbeing, skills, and local opportunities.
- Mr Rowney expressed his delight, saying: “I was delighted to be invited to visit and see for myself their services in action.”
Swiss Cottage, Camden (North London News) January 24, 2026 – Jon Rowney, the newly appointed chief executive of Camden Council, made his inaugural visit to The Winch, an award-winning community centre, to witness firsthand how it supports families and residents across north Camden. This engagement marks a significant step in Mr Rowney’s early tenure since assuming the role in July 2025, underscoring the council’s commitment to grassroots initiatives. During the tour, he interacted directly with children, young people, and local residents, gaining insights into the charity’s broad-reaching programmes.
Who is Jon Rowney and Why Did He Visit The Winch?
Jon Rowney stepped into the position of chief executive at Camden Council in July 2025, bringing fresh leadership to one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. His first visit to The Winch in Swiss Cottage, which took place yesterday, was not merely ceremonial but a deliberate effort to understand community-driven efforts on the ground. As the head of the council, Mr Rowney’s role involves overseeing strategic direction, including support for local charities that bolster social cohesion.
The choice of The Winch as his initial stop highlights its prominence in north Camden. This award-winning centre serves as a lifeline for families, offering spaces for play, youth development, and neighbourhood organising. Mr Rowney toured the facilities, engaging with key stakeholders to appreciate the centre’s operational model.
What Did Rashid Iqbal Say About the Visit?
Rashid Iqbal, chief executive at The Winch, played host to Mr Rowney and was vocal about the significance of such high-level engagement. As reported in coverage of the event, Mr Iqbal stated:
“We were really pleased to welcome Jon to the Winch and to show how community-led work makes a real difference on the ground.”
His comments reflect the charity’s pride in demonstrating tangible impacts.​
Mr Iqbal went further to stress infrastructure’s role, noting:
“Our building and spaces are critical to what we do, from play and youth work to neighbourhood organising and sustained investment is essential if we’re going to continue supporting our community for the long term.”
This plea for ongoing funding aligns with broader challenges faced by community centres amid rising costs and evolving needs in Camden.
How Does The Winch Support the North Camden Community?
The Winch stands as a cornerstone of community services in Swiss Cottage, collaborating with more than 70 schools and organisations annually. It supports over 1,600 residents through targeted programmes that prioritise inclusion, wellbeing, and opportunity. These initiatives range from youth clubs and play sessions to skill-building workshops and local advocacy efforts.
A recent accolade underscores its excellence: The Winch clinched the Localith Community Heritage Award for transforming the historic Belsize Library into a thriving community hub. This revitalisation project preserved architectural heritage while adapting the space for modern needs, blending history with contemporary social services.
The centre’s reach extends across north Camden, addressing gaps in family support, mental health resources, and youth engagement. By fostering partnerships with educational institutions, The Winch ensures sustained impact, helping residents navigate everyday challenges.
What Interactions Occurred During Jon Rowney’s Tour?
Mr Rowney’s visit was hands-on and interactive. He toured the centre’s various spaces, observing activities in action. A key highlight was his conversation with members of the Winch Children’s Council, a group where young voices shape the centre’s direction.
He also met young people enrolled in youth programmes centred on wellbeing, skills development, and accessing local opportunities. These encounters allowed Mr Rowney to hear directly from beneficiaries, providing unfiltered perspectives on the centre’s effectiveness.
In response to the experience, Mr Rowney shared:
“I was delighted to be invited to visit and see for myself their services in action.”
His positive feedback signals potential for strengthened council-charity collaboration moving forward.
Why is The Winch’s Recent Award Significant?
The Localith Community Heritage Award, recently bestowed upon The Winch, celebrates its innovative reuse of the Belsize Library site. This historic building, once a quiet repository of books, now pulses with life as a multifaceted hub. The award recognises not just preservation but active revitalisation that benefits the Swiss Cottage area.
Such accolades draw attention to Camden’s rich heritage while spotlighting adaptive reuse as a model for other councils. For The Winch, it validates years of effort in turning a landmark into a space for play, learning, and organising.
What Challenges Does The Winch Face Moving Forward?
Community centres like The Winch operate in a landscape of funding pressures and demographic shifts. Mr Iqbal’s call for “sustained investment” points to vulnerabilities, including maintenance of physical spaces and expansion of services. With over 1,600 residents relying on its programmes yearly, scalability remains crucial.
Camden Council’s involvement, exemplified by Mr Rowney’s visit, could pave the way for grants or policy support. Yet, as north London’s population grows, balancing heritage preservation with modern demands will test partnerships between local authorities and charities.
How Does This Visit Fit into Camden Council’s Broader Strategy?
Jon Rowney’s appointment in July 2025 came at a pivotal time for Camden, a borough known for its blend of cultural vibrancy and social challenges. His early focus on community centres signals a leadership style rooted in direct engagement rather than top-down directives. By prioritising The Winch, Mr Rowney aligns with council goals of enhancing wellbeing and inclusion.
This visit builds on Camden’s tradition of supporting grassroots organisations. It may foreshadow increased funding or collaborative projects, particularly in north Camden where family services are paramount.
What Do Young People at The Winch Think?
Interactions with the Winch Children’s Council and youth programme participants formed the heart of Mr Rowney’s tour. These groups empower young residents to voice concerns and propose ideas, from improving play areas to skill-building sessions. Their input ensures programmes remain relevant.
While specific quotes from the children were not detailed in reports, Mr Rowney’s engagement underscores the value of youth perspectives in council decision-making. Such forums bridge generational gaps, fostering a sense of ownership among north Camden’s younger demographic.
Implications for Future Council-Charity Partnerships?
Mr Rowney’s visit sets a precedent for proactive leadership. By immersing himself in The Winch’s operations, he gains critical insights that could inform budget allocations and policy. Rashid Iqbal’s emphasis on investment needs resonates with wider sector pleas for stability.
For residents, this signals potential enhancements in local services. Over 1,600 individuals stand to benefit if council support amplifies The Winch’s reach. The visit also highlights Swiss Cottage’s role as a community beacon amid Camden’s urban evolution.
Broader Context of Community Centres in Camden
North London boroughs like Camden rely heavily on hubs such as The Winch to fill service gaps. With ties to 70-plus schools, it exemplifies integrated support systems. The recent heritage award positions it as a model for blending history with social good.
As chief executive, Jon Rowney’s early actions suggest a council attuned to these assets. Sustained dialogue between leaders like him and executives like Mr Iqbal could yield long-term gains for families facing inclusion and wellbeing hurdles.
In summary, this inaugural visit encapsulates optimism for collaborative progress in Camden. It reaffirms The Winch’s vital role while inviting council backing to secure its future.
