gort scott completes creative enterprise hub in north-east london

architecture studio gort scott has completed the refurbishment of walthamstow central parade, converting it into a mixed-use hub that offers a total of 650 square meters for creative industries. the interior scheme seeks to promote local businesses, allowing them to collaborate and become part of the community. flexible event and exhibition space, as well as an independent start-up bakery and café, remain open to the public. there are also small ‘maker’ shops available for those who wish to pilot new products or services.

all images © dirk lindner

the london borough of waltham forest secured funding for gort scott to transform a 1960s former office building into retail and co-working spaces with meeting rooms and studio units for up to 50 independent creative businesses. the social enterprise meanwhile space, who specialize in delivering temporary and affordable workspaces for the benefit of local communities, is running the facility.

externally, the architects worked to upgrade and enhance the character of the existing building. notably, the underside of the wave canopy has been painted a vibrant yellow, two new street entrances have been introduced, and new signage highlights the change in use. bicycle parking is now also available. the refurbishment aims to appeal to the region’s burgeoning creative community as part of a long-term plan by the council to enhance business in the area.

‘walthamstow central parade provides stylish workspaces with varied facilities, enabling a range of creative industries and emerging enterprises to thrive in the area,’ says jay gort, director of gort scott. ‘we stripped back the linings of the outdated council one stop shop; the lowered ceilings, carpets, partitioned desks etc, to create a generous, robust hall like space.’

‘gort scott also developed a range of bespoke furniture for the project and everything was delivered on a tight budget,’ continues gort. ‘simultaneously, we ensured that the facades of this landmark building were sensitively updated to re-establish the buildings positive contribution to the streetscape. we worked closely with graphic designers polimekanos to develop a graphic identity for the project which was inspired by the original decorative façade tiles.’

project info:

architects: gort scott
location: walthamstow central parade, walthamstow, london, UK
type of project: mixed-use
project architect: susie hyden/ joe mac mahon
design team: susie hyden, joe mac mahon, alice shepherd, nadine coetzee
client: london borough of waltham forest
funding: london borough of waltham forest and greater london authority
tender date: march 2016
start on site: april 2016
contract duration: 8 weeks
M&E/sustainability consultant: NPS
quantity surveyor: NPS
CDM coordinator: MLM
structural engineer: NPS
main contractor: bolt & heeks

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