Alice Billings House is the second addition to our portfolio and brings Creative Land Trust one step closer to our goal of providing 1,000 studios within our first five years. Previously owned by London Borough of Newham the Grade 2 listed building, built c.1905, has been vacant for over 10 years. This acquisition demonstrates how investment in creative workspace and placemaking can revitalise buildings, businesses, and communities.
The two matching blocks of firemen’s accommodation with a courtyard between have a total area of c.6,800 square feet, and will provide between 30 and 40 studios, subject to refurbishment, a gallery/project space and café, creating affordable studios for artists, as well as space and opportunities for the creative and wider community to come together and thrive.
Location
Stratford High Street, Newham
Studio Providers
To be selected via tender process
Creative Workspace Available
c.6800 sq ft across two blocks
Number of Studios
30 – 40 Studios
Building Supporters
Newham Council, Mayor of London,
Bloomberg Philanthropies, Arts Council England, Architectural Heritage Fund.
Our work to restore the building to beneficial use supports Newham’s Recovery Strategy and is an opportunity for post-Covid recovery and community wealth building, a priority for Newham’s Mayor. Creative Land Trust’s work with expert studio providers to activate Alice Billings House will be a catalyst for the regeneration of Stratford’s High Street, including a cluster of nearby historic buildings.
If we are serious about using architecture as a force for good in tackling and adapting to climate change, we need to make the best use of the buildings we already have and bank the carbon they have already captured. We’re happy to be working with Newham on doing just that at ABH.
Creative Land Trust will engage with artists, studio providers, local individuals and organisations to reintegrate this heritage building into the community, creating an asset for all. Further announcements on the refurbishment and restoration of the building will be made as the project proceeds.
