ABOUT HONICKNOWLE COMMNET

"Commnet" stands for "Community Networking" and was established by the community local to Honicknowle, Plymouth UK in 1999. Several founders are still involved as members of the board of trustees.

Since the beginning, Commnet has evolved and developed in response to the changing needs of the local community and the ever changing social and economic landscape in which we live. Those who attend our various and diverse projects help us to inform and shape our direction.

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It all began when the founders of Honicknowle Commnet Ltd. submitted a successful application to buy a disused building - a former GP surgery. The building was then renamed "The Phoenix Centre".

The Phoenix Centre is situated immediately adjacent to the western edge of Honicknowle Green, close to a row of local shops that incorporates residential flats. On the eastern edge of Honicknowle Green there is also a recently completed residential complex specifically built by and for the benefit of armed forces veterans. The Centre sits at the heart of the Honicknowle residential area. The area served by Commnet includes an extensive ex-local authority housing estate and a block of high-rise social housing flats.

At the time The Phoenix Centre was conceived, north west Plymouth was known for being very territorial – a place in which emerging gang culture was becoming increasingly prevalent. Throughout the history of The Phoenix Centre, Commnet has maintained an enviable reputation for working effectively with local residents and for helping to dismantle the barriers we can create and use to separate us. Commnet also has a proven ability to work and liaise with statutory bodies, professionals and organisations who interact with local residents.

For many, The Phoenix Centre represents a place that local residents know and trust; a place that can help them to thrive. And after so many years, that trust has become inter-generational.