Charterhouse Road Club is one of 21 projects realised as part of the VACANT LOT program initiated by what if: projects. The transformation of a derelict piece of land into an allotment in 2011 kick started a string of improvements and ultimately resulted in the refurbishment and opening of the adjacent community centre, a new multi-purpose games area and an outside gym.

The project was developed through a collaboration with local children, VACANT LOT plot holders and Southern Housing Group. Seed funding for the project was provided by the housing association and match funding was successfully attracted through the Mayor of London Fund and the Football Foundation (2012).

what if: projects produced the design and construction information and project managed the delivery on site. Works were carried out by specialist subcontractors, construction trainees from Hackney College over a period of two years.