We are happy you want to learn more about us 🙂
Our Journey
We are just startin our journey!
As community leaders we recognise the need for physical spaces for communities to thrive.
We continue to campaign for affordable space but are also taking the matter into our own hands by transforming empty spaces to bring together communities through shared traditions and vibrant celebrations.
Our Mission
Economic hardship can create an atmosphere of distrust and competitiveness within communities.
This project above everything else, is about collaboration, about pulling together, looking for synergies. This is about sharing costs, risks and problems. Resolving conflicts in a fair and transparent process. It is about seeing the success of your partner as mutually beneficial.
Our Vision
We strive to create a welcoming space where people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate their heritage, discover new experiences, and earn a living by doing what they love.
We aspire to become a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and connection, celebrating unity and diversity.
Our Work
The Space
Our permanent store in Elephant and Castle. We host traders, community groups, health practitioners and other professionals free of charge or at a subsidised rate.
The Events
Events take place in different venues and highlight a different angle of the unique tapestry of cultures that make up our community.
Behind the Scenes
We provide trainning and support in marketing, business planning and management.
Who is at Plaza Latina?
We offer a vibrant space that fosters both private and community-driven initiatives.
Our project unites participants from across Latin America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Meet the dedicated individuals who serve the Latin American community, driven by their passion, despite family and work responsibilities
Who was at Plaza Latina?
Our space has welcomed a variety of community activities from Corazones Unidos, Voades, Grito Latino Pride Fest and Carlos Maestu/ Mujeres en Acción.Learn about some of their great work below.
If you need free space to deliver community activities, meetings or use a co-working space get in touch at hola@plazalatina.org
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.
