HELPING LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO DELIVER FULLY-AUTOMATED ONLINE BOOKINGS TO THEIR COMMUNITY

Kajima Community has worked with Hackney Council to develop a website that will make it the first local authority in the country to offer an online tool for people to take virtual tours of its community halls and make bookings.

The streamlined process, powered by Kajima Community’s BookingsPlus software, means thousands of residents, small businesses and organisations in Hackney looking to hire a venue can easily access information on its 37 community halls across the borough and make a booking.

Hackney Council’s community halls are used regularly by a wide range of groups, including lunch clubs, martial arts groups, holiday playschemes, parties, conferences and church groups. They offer a low-cost option for groups looking for space, with discounted rates for community use.

Currently, anyone booking space must make an individual booking and either pay over the telephone or at the Council’s self service payment centre. The new website allows users to search and book all available spaces in all halls across the borough and, crucially, will shortly enable them to pay online.

The new website is accessed via a page on the Council’s website and is badged in line with Hackney corporate design standards to ensure a seamless experience for users.

The improved efficiency is expected to create an immediate increase in the use of Hackney’s community facilities. A short trial period of the website across a selection of the 37 available sites began in December 2022 and saw a 20 percent increase in booking enquiries.

View the booking website here: https://communityhalls.hackney.gov.uk

Chris Smith, Head of Kajima Community, said: “We’re excited to support Hackney to become the first local authority in the country to automate its booking system. We hope it will drive other councils to also think about offering a customer-friendly way for their community to access under-used facilities whilst securing vital public asset reinvestment."

Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Resident Participation, Councillor Clayeon McKenzie, said: “Our halls are hugely popular venues and play a vital role in helping bring local communities together. We are always looking at ways to make it easier for our residents to use our services. I am delighted that we will be the first Council in the country to provide a fully automated system for people to see everything our halls offer and book the most appropriate one for them."