Build the community you want to live in
What is community?
‘Community’ is often romanticized, yet no community exists without some form of conflict of ideas or interests.
A true community does not shy away from tensions but confronts them with honesty—prioritizing transparency and mutual understanding.
What is solidarity?
Working together towards building a community.
Everyone has something valuable to contribute, and while some have doubted the possibility of solidarity in modern times, we believe otherwise.
How we work?
Advisory boards represent community groups, service providers, and traders. Latin Hub consults but retains ultimate responsibility for the project’s success. While its judgment prevails if needed, all decisions so far have been reached by consensus.
Plaza Latina provides a free collaborative space for community groups to meet and host activities.
Users also receive support with marketing strategy and website development to enhance their visibility.
FAQs
Is the space free to use?
It depends. We do have to pay rent and service charges and we expect more established traders to contribute to cover costs. Everyone has at least 3 months free of charge until they get themselves established, smaller retailers use display space free of charge. We collectively decide a fair contribution of each participant based on their income. Community groups are using the space for free. The co-working space at the reception is always free for any project participant.
How do participants share the space?
The retail space is occupied by micro traders that display their products free of charge. The co-working space is free to use with no need to book in advance.
Some participants just use an online booking system to book the therapy room or multi-use office and others prefer to block weekly slots for their regular clients.
What are the benefits of joining the project as a trader, professional or community group?
You can learn more about the benefits of joining the project HERE.
How can I join?
You can learn more about joining the project HERE
Is Plaza Latina affiliated with Latin Hub?
Plaza Latina is a project, not a legal entity, operated by Latin Hub, a not-for-profit organization. Latin Hub oversees all contracts and commitments related to this project, ensuring alignment with its mission to promote positive visibility for the Latin American community in the UK.
Is this project affiliated with Carnaval del Pueblo?
What began as a so-called ‘partnership’ between Latin Hub UK and Carnaval del Pueblo quickly unraveled due to what we interpret as repeated breaches of integrity on their part. After numerous instances of unethical and negligent behavior, we were left with no choice but to sever ties—absorbing significant financial losses in the process.
Sadly, Carnaval del Pueblo’s actions have severely compromised the success of this project. They have demonstrated a staggering disregard for accountability, forcing Latin Hub UK to shoulder the burden alone. This project now survives solely on volunteer efforts and the unwavering commitment of Latin Hub UK to deliver.
Due to the severity of the harm caused, we have initiated legal action against Carnaval del Pueblo to seek accountability for their misconduct.
While this statement reflects our perspective, we acknowledge that recollections of events may differ
"After leaving my practice due to high rent costs, I am now back to work doing what I do best, thanks to the space offered by plaza Latina ''
Health Practitioner based in Chinese medicine
" I am so grateful to Plaza Latina, thanks to their space and support I am now able to earn a living using my skills and experience while helping others''
''Thank you to Plaza Latina for the space but also the support in marketing and business planning, you care and it has really really helped me''.
''Plaza Latina is much needed not only because of the space itself but also all the training and support provided to help overcome the many barriers that we face as Latin Americans living in the UK''
''Plaza Latina has made me feel closer to my community, I am grateful for all that I learned and share with others''
''What started as a hobby now is starting to become a small business thanks to the support of Plaza Latina.''
‘’From Plaza Latina I greatly benefit because I have access to a free space and that allows me to help people also free of charge. Plaza Latina has been generous and they make all efforts to make you feel welcome and safe.’’
''Plaza Latina is needed as a space where small businesses can also thrive to secure livelihoods and provide for people in our community''
''Plaza Latina is essential for supporting local private enterprise. Our community depends on flexible and affordable space in Elephant & Castle to build sustainable livelihoods'''
Funders and Supporters
We are grateful for the financial support of Southwark Council. It is coordinated by Latin Hub Uk but is only possible thanks to the many Latin American organisations that participate in our activities and our volunteers.
