The Grange Big Local story

Introduction

When ordinary people get extraordinary responsibility

Between 2014 and 2025, residents in East Finchley were trusted with just over £1 million and the freedom to decide how to spend it. Big Local was a National Lottery-funded programme that backed 150 communities in England with long-term funding and local control.

Through extensive community consultations, East Finchley residents shared their priorities: better playgrounds, green spaces, activities for young people, and a stronger sense of community. A Partnership board of residents took these ideas and helped make them happen.

Inclusion Barnet acted as the accountable body, handling the finance and HR, so residents could focus on leading change. This is the story of what happened.

Explore the GBL story

Watch the film

Discover the highlights

Read the book

The full story: what was achieved, what was learned and what to think about when embarking on community projects.

Flipbook version of the book

Text only Word file version of the book

Take the walk

Experience a guided walk exploring the spaces GBL helped to transform.

Discover more

View other Grange Big Local films

Achievements

“Promoting a thriving and caring community”

Everything GBL did came back to this vision. Within this, it focused on three themes:

Our residents can flourish
GBL created opportunities for people to connect, learn, and thrive. It:
- Backed youth work through Art Against Knives, keeping young people safe and helping them thrive.
- Funded over 30 community projects through our grants programme, from girls’ football to science clubs.
- Created summer play schemes, warm spaces, and Fun Palaces that brought the community together.
Our environment can blossom
GBL helped transform neglected spaces into places people want to be.
- Market Place Playground – from a low-quality space into an inclusive and imaginative playground.
- The Underpass – once dark and neglected, and refurbished to be brighter, safer, and more welcoming.
- Barnwood N2 – from forgotten land to a thriving green space for community and nature community space and biodiversity haven
- The Archer Academy Garden – an outdoor classroom and peaceful retreat
Our economy can grow
GBL supported skills, training, and financial resilience and started a bold conversation about challenges with the welfare system.
- Its Universal Basic Income pilot proposal went viral, creating local and national debate.
- Provided Citizens Advice sessions that put money directly into residents’ pockets, as well as advice to EU citizens after Brexit.
- Supported Money A&E sessions for residents, negotiation skills and a first aid course.

Legacy

Grange Big Local came to an end in 2025, leaving tangible improvements to our area and strengthened community connections.

The project’s legacy isn’t just about the physical spaces, but is in the skills, confidence, and networks residents developed through leading change in their own community.

With thanks to our community, volunteers, Local Trust and the National Lottery Community Fund.

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