New Malden's Springfield Disabled Resource Centre (DRC), a vital community hub providing adults with learning disabilities creative activities, physical and wellbeing sessions, skills development, and community building, has been granted a 10-year lease, securing its future after concerns about a potential closure. The decision was announced at the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee meeting on Thursday 11 December 2025.
The Springfield DRC faced uncertainty when Hft (Home Farm Trust) announced plans to sell the centre as part of efforts to reduce its financial deficit. A petition was launched calling on Hft and Kingston Council to halt the closure and explore alternatives. The petition on Springfield DRC gained significant community support.
The council has been working with Hft to ensure the continuation of services at the centre. According to the Springfield DRC update report, the preferred option from the outset was for services to continue at the Springfield Resource Centre. Hft explored options to sell the property and lease it back, so the service could continue to be provided in the building. In August 2025 a 'Head of Terms' (an agreement in principle) was agreed between Hft and a buyer of the property.
A financial agreement was reached with Hft in September 2025 to continue funding the service for the remainder of the Day Opportunities & Meaningful Occupations Framework. The sale is anticipated to be complete in December 2025, with a lease term of 10 years.