Creative Hub Opens

A MUCH anticipated creative hub in the heart of Old Leigh has now opened its doors.
No Place Like Home in Leigh Marina is owned by Joseph Fordham and has been a dream, many years in the making, which has finally been realised.
Primarily, the venue is planned to be a co-work space for the majority of the week. It will also host exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and talks featuring local artists, creatives, and students from nearby colleges.
The idea is for it to be a place where people can gather, share ideas, and engage with art, culture, sport and film in a friendly, inclusive environment.
Mr Fordham said: “With much help from friends Mark Cherry and Jon Edwards along with their excellent build team, I have brought this idea out of my head and into the real world and created a space where Leigh residents can enjoy a number of activities and events in beautiful surroundings.”
West Ham fan Mr Fordham explained that the dream started with a goodbye: “In 2015, as West Ham prepared to leave Upton Park, I made a book.
“A way to hold onto something that mattered. I called it ‘No Place Like Home’. A nod to what was being lost, and to something more personal too.”
What began as a one-off became something people carried with them, and by 2018, it had grown into a magazine, stocked across the country and shipped around the world. Stories of football, but really stories of people. Of belonging.
Then, in 2021 Mr Fordham moved to Leigh. He instantly fell in love with the area and the people.
With a new group of friends, and with much support from his partner Jade, he opened the kitchen in his home as Club de Cafe with a simple idea: bring people together. Create the kind of place you want to walk into. Again and again.
Mr Fordham said: ‘No Place Like Home is a space built from everything that came before – books, pages, voices, coffee – all circling the same idea: connection.
“I plan to collaborate with colleges and local arts organisations to provide opportunities for students and emerging artists to showcase their work.
“Whether it’s a pop-up exhibition, a film screening, or a live creative workshop, the aim is to connect people through shared cultural experiences and highlight the strong creative thread that exists, not just in Leigh, but in the surrounding areas.”
There will also be a number of events across the year which people can attend, but pre-booking is essential with numbers limited to 25.
Mr Fordham hopes the venue will be able to serve alcohol along with locally sourced tapas.
He added: “Yes, I want to serve alcohol, which I understand has raised some concerns. But my approach will be responsible and respectful.
“The space won’t operate as a general bar. Alcohol will only be relevant during specific events.
“All music, whether an occasional live performance or ambient background tracks, will be kept at levels appropriate to the space and surrounding area.
“I want this space to be a community asset for a town that I love, not a source of nuisance.
“By focusing on cultural programming, supporting local creatives, and operating responsibly, the intention is to contribute positively to Leigh.”
The theme of the venue also has a personal touch and is dedicated to Mr Fordham’s Father Ron. He explained: “My Dad’s favourite film was The Wizard of Oz.
“When you arrive at the venue and look down, you’re standing on the Yellow Brick Road. I wanted him to be with me on this journey and this is my way to remember him.”
As the film famously says, ‘There’s No Place like home’ and Mr Fordham concluded: “This is No Place Like Home. And it’s yours as much as mine.”
For a list of future events and to register for notifications visit:
thisisnplh.com
Picture: Joseph Fordham inside the creative hub, No Place Like Home
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