We hope to use this historical moment to leverage community participation and in particular empower young people in an area where many face ingrained and systemic social problems. There is a generation of young people whose stories need to be told. The building holds so many memories, voices, and creative spirits from generations of local people and artists, many of which have helped shape the area’s identity.

Our Creative Futures programme supports 4,000 young people from East London every year. Our pioneering projects help them to equip them with the skills and confidence they need for their creative, educational, and working lives. In 2026, we hope to work with Creative Futures alumni and our local young people to research the achievements of past participants and historic artists.