We were thrilled to attend the exclusive opening event of our newest SELCC Member, Woolwich Works which is now fully open and in full swing of it’s inaugural autumn season of fantastic live cultural events, happenings and all round entertainment! We weren’t quite sure what to expect at this exclusive opening and were totally blown away by incredible performances, spectacular costume and stage craft all wrapped up in the sort of uplifting atmosphere that will be embraced as a regular fixture for lovers of culture, from near and far as we move away from the restrictions of extensive lockdowns. On the night we were wowed by Afrikan Boy, Mica Paris, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Luca Silvestri’s Protein Dance, Chineke! Orchestra and Woolwich Orchestra.
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To start with as we approached the queue, it’s impossible not to be impressed, set among the grand Georgian avenues of the former Royal Arsenal Woolwich. Many of the buildings had lain mostly empty and relatively unused for decades after the army stopped making munitions there. The buildings were an obvious choice as these uncluttered, brick built spaces were designed with enormous skylights and wrought iron frequently found in grander designs of centuries gone by, making ideal spaces for the new, dynamic and creative residents to fill with the joy of exploring musically, theatrically and to shake to the foundations with dance and movement.
We’re really looking forward to the future of culture in Woolwich, and want to wish them a warm welcome! Find out more and book yourselves in for a fun night out with some high brow, high quality entertainment –Visit the Woolwich Works website to book tickets and learn more about the amazing new spaces on this extraordinary site!
Background Information courtesy of Royal Borough of Greenwich:
The Royal Borough of Greenwich restored five of the historic industrial buildings on the Royal Arsenal, creating a new landmark cultural hub for London. With large-scale, flexible performance and event spaces, rehearsal studios, rooms for community events and celebrations, bars and a café, the site is home to a number of local, national and internationally-renowned resident artistic companies.
Formerly known as the Woolwich Creative District residents overwhelmingly chose to officially name the site Woolwich Works following a public vote.
Punchdrunk the world-renowned theatre company, is just one of the big name tenants that has made Woolwich Works its home, read about all the new residents here
Spaces for culture and businesses
Woolwich Works includes large-scale concert venues, rehearsal and studio spaces, offices, places to eat, and a base for internationally acclaimed theatre companies such as Punchdrunk. The flexible space will provide opportunities for public interaction and involvement, training and education, as well as being available for hire for weddings, parties, conferences, community meetings or events.
The new developments include:
- a venue with excellent acoustics that can house an audience of 1200 seated or 1800 standing
- an open-sided quadrangle courtyard for performance seating up to 600
- five rehearsal studios, which can also be used as informal performance spaces
- artists’ studios and offices for resident companies
- a generous public facilities, including a cafe / bar and space for hire for community group and events.
A diverse range of tenants will be ensured by hiring 70 per cent of space to cultural organisations and local community groups at subsidised levels, and the remaining 30 per cent to commercial operators; looking for rehearsal venues, conference facilities and event space.
The site on the River Thames has long been identified as a key driver for the local economy and will provide a new foundation in the continued revival of Woolwich and the surrounding area.
It’s anticipated that the new creative district will provide more than 400 local jobs in addition to new roles during construction.
The district will have a significant economic impact on Woolwich and the surrounding areas and bring benefits to the whole borough, much as the Arsenal did when it was operational.
It will help to reinforce the changing perceptions of Woolwich as a destination and increase the benefits of Crossrail. It will also support the economic and social development of Woolwich and its surrounding communities, particularly those of Plumstead, Abbey Wood and Thamesmead.
Using Royal Arsenal listed buildings
The major investment will bring a series of landmark historic buildings back into use to form the creative district. Bennetts Associates have been appointed to carry out the plan to transform five buildings, including:
The Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings boast historic, architecturally impressive features and expansive square footage, plus unparalleled acoustics found in The Fireworks Factory. This will be renovated into a large scale performance venue with capacity for up to 1200 people.
Work on Woolwich Works is planned across two phases. The first featuring temporary theatres and repair work to three of the historic buildings, to accommodate Punchdrunk, and permanent works to the two remaining buildings. A further phase will complete the long-term upgrade for a permanent performing arts tenant and, for The Laboratory, a future return to the Royal Arsenal for the Greenwich Heritage Trust.