Old School Hive
A collaborative proposal to activate the school site: an active, revenue-generating hive that also delivers the charity's long-term culinary and educational vision.
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Built for learning. Ready for making.
- A main hall, five classrooms, two kitchens and outdoor grounds, all on one site
- Tall windows and natural light, good for teaching and for filming
- We keep the character: the clocks, the displays, the colour, the sense of a place where people learn by making
- Same purpose, new generation: the building keeps on teaching
Not a refit into a glass box. An old school, put back to work.
1. FILM
Creative Production Studio
- Main hall studio hire for independent film, photo shoots and motion design
- Creator rooms for YouTube, podcasts and social media production
- Production offices, casting and editing suites in classroom spaces
- Cross-collaboration between AI practitioners, games specialists and filmmakers
2. LEARN
Education & Skills Hive
- Five large classrooms booked by evening tutors, revision groups and language schools
- In-person workshops: filmmaking, editing, motion graphics and content creation
- Digital learning: live online masterclasses and filmed demonstrations
- Subsidised access for local educational partners and non-profits
3. COMMUNITY
Culinary & Wellbeing Space
- Culinary teaching in twin kitchens, connected to EBFC food initiatives
- Yoga, Pilates, movement and rehearsal hire in the main hall
- Weekend craft fairs, pop-up markets and fêtes on the outdoor grounds
- Food photography and culinary storytelling events
EBFC's Own YouTube Channel
Filmed, edited and run in-house by the hive's film side:
- From the kitchens: recipes, cook-alongs and how surplus food becomes a meal
- Food stories: the volunteers, suppliers and neighbours behind EBFC
- The old school, reborn: the clear-out, refurb and build-out from day one
- Organic marketing: brings in volunteers, supporters, studio bookings and workshop sign-ups
Live Events
The hive, opened up to the public:
- Live-streamed cook-alongs from the twin kitchens
- Food film screenings and supper clubs in the main hall
- Markets and fêtes on the grounds, filmed for the channel
- Students crew every event, so each one doubles as training
How it runs: The Hive is run by a very experienced team of both volunteers and paid staff. Using modern systems and booking processes, our customers find it a breeze working with us.
Structured Project Execution
- Single point of operational coordination for safety, maintenance, access and hirers
- Full compliance oversight: water safety testing, EICR electrical checks and fire risk assessments
- End-to-end calendar management across the hall, five classrooms, two kitchens and outdoor grounds
- Active marketing and outreach across Brighton's community and creative networks
Charity Integration & Partnership
- Direct collaboration with Liam and East Brighton Food Co-op
- Kitchen and hall use directly supports EBFC's community culinary mission
- Blends commercial venue revenue with active food initiatives and social impact
- Gives the leaseholder clear, professional site management without the operational headache
Weekly Rollout
- Week 1: Site & safety inspection
Water, EICR and fire safety checks; safety-critical clearing of communal spaces. - Week 2: Clear-out & assessment
Volunteer community clear-out; confirm layout and equipment needs. - Week 3: Demand outreach
Reach out to Sussex filmmakers, local tutors and yoga networks to log expressions of interest. - Week 4: Booking schedule
Present a verified booking schedule and firm financial model to the leaseholder.
The Ask Today
Agreement in principle to run this four-week feasibility phase: confirming access terms, completing site checks and securing early expressions of interest, so financial viability is proven before full launch.
