Questions & Answers

This has not been an easy road to walk and the decision was made prayerfully and with a heavy heart by the trustees. It reflects a combination of the prohibitive cost of bringing our historic building up to modern standards, a decline in occupancy rates in recent years, rising running costs, the changing needs of those we serve, the current economic and social climate, the evolving face of global mission, and the broader challenges of providing affordable accommodation in London. Taken together, the trustees do not believe continuing in our current form would be a good use of charitable resources.

• Tuesday 1st September, 2026 no new bookings will be taken on or after this date
• Thursday 29th October, 2026 will be the final check-in date
• Friday 30th October, 2026 will be the final check-out date
• Saturday 31st October, 2026 The Highbury Centre is closed and operations ceased

We have taken the decision to close new bookings from 01/09/2026 to enable a phased closing of The Highbury Centre.

Yes. We explored the option of refurbishing the building and obtained detailed surveys, architectural plans, and cost estimates. Unfortunately, the level of investment required, together with the long-term financial challenges of operating the guest house, meant this was not a viable option.

This decision has followed a lengthy period of investigation whereby the trustees have sought professional advice, undertaken various financial reviews, and have prayerfully considered the decision for the best interest of The Highbury Centre as a charity.

Throughout the decision making process the trustees of The Highbury Centre have been meeting regularly and have consulted relevant professional expertise and consultants.

Yes, online bookings will remain open until Monday 31st August, 2026. The final check-out date will be Friday 30th October, 2026.

All of our staff have been informed of the decision and we are following the appropriate employment processes. We are committed to supporting every member of staff throughout this period.

We will honour all guests who are currently checked into The Highbury Centre with a check-out date that falls on or before the final check out date of Friday 30th October, 2026. If your check-out date falls on or after the closing date of Saturday 31st October, 2026 then you will receive an email detailing the cancellation and refund process.

No. There will be no immediate changes that will impact your stay, we will continue to operate as normal until the final check-out date.

Unfortunately your booking will be cancelled. You should have received an email informing you of the cancellation and refund process. If you have not yet received an email please contact: enquiries@thehighburycentre.org

1. Staycity, Dalston, London: www.staycity.com
2. The Royal Foundation of St Katherines, London: www.rfsk.org.uk
3. Temple Lodge Club, Hammersmith: www.templelodgeclub.com 

Unfortunately your booking will be cancelled. You should receive an email informing you of the cancellation and refund process. If you have not yet received an email please contact: groups@thehighburycentre.org 

Yes, bookings will continue to be accepted until Monday 31st August, 2026. On and from Tuesday 1st September, 2026 bookings will be closed. If you would like to make a booking you will only be allowed to book accommodation with a check-out date on or before Friday 30th October, 2026.

No firm decisions have been made, and the trustees are considering the options available to the charity in this regard. Any decision regarding the future of the property will be made in accordance with the charity's legal responsibilities and in the best interests of the charity.

If the property is sold, the proceeds will remain charitable funds. The trustees are legally required to use those funds in accordance with the charity's governing document and charitable purposes.

The closure of the guest house does not mean the charity itself will cease to exist. The trustees are considering the charity's future and how best to continue fulfilling its charitable purposes.

Yes, the trustees are prayerfully considering how The Highbury Centre charity can continue to fulfil its mission in the future.

The trustees have carefully considered all available options before reaching this decision. While we understand many people will be saddened by the closure, we believe this is the responsible course of action.

If you have any questions that have not been answered here, please email

Christopher Cherrill, The Highbury Centre General Manager: chris@thehighburycentre.org