A disused warehouse will become a thriving centre for creativity, culture and wellbeing if further funding is secured
Create London and Newham Council have announced plans to transform 31- 35 Stock Street, a disused 19th-century warehouse in Plaistow, into a thriving arts hub for creativity, culture and community wellbeing.
The new space is due to open in late 2025 and will provide affordable workspaces, a café and studios dedicated to design, art and architecture, learning and skills development. The project has a 25-year lease.
The Council has invested an initial £1,015,000 following their successful Levelling Up Fund bids. Create London has launched a capital fundraising campaign to raise the remaining £1.3m needed to cover part of the restoration costs. Donations and grants will be sought from public funding bodies, a number of trusts and foundations, individuals and corporates.
As well as affordable workspace, 31-35 Stock Street will provide flexible events space, a working yard and versatile maker spaces to fill a gap in art and architecture provision and vocational training in Newham. The building will also enable local community and grassroots groups to host their own programmes.
Darren Mackin, Director of Community Wealth Building, Newham Council said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside Create London on the rejuvenation of 31-35 Stock Street, a stunning locally listed building, bringing it back into active use for the benefit of the local community. The project forms part of the Council’s vision to transform vacant buildings within its portfolio into productive community and enterprise spaces that can contribute to a thriving range of civic activity within all of Newham’s neighbourhoods.”
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