A popular south east London arts hub is facing multi-million-pound restoration costs in order to secure its future.
Lewisham Arthouse has been based in the former Deptford Central Library since 1994 following a 1993 agreement with the council to retain the building for community.
However, the Grade II-Listed building requires urgent and costly repairs, with Arthouse representatives helping to run and maintain the space to prevent a potential emergency shutdown.
Artist Rain Wu, a long-standing member of the Arthourse, said: “This redevelopment is essential.
“It will secure the future of the co-op, protect the legacy of this historic building and allow us to keep offering affordable space while opening up even more opportunities for the community.”
The Edwardian Baroque building was designed by A. Brumwell Thomas, and the Arthouse have been granted a long-term lease by Lewisham Council.
The artist-led cooperative was founded in 1992 to provide affordable studios, exhibition and workshop space to members.
The group prides itself on keeping the arts inclusive and has jump-started many budding artists’ careers
However, members are concerned it is harder than ever for aspiring artists to continue their work, due to a combination of the increasing cost of living and depleted arts funding.
Wu said: “Lewisham Arthouse is a community built for and by each other. For over 30 years, it has given artists an affordable place to work, belong and grow, with real mutual support and connection to the local community.
“It’s given me a space that isn’t a financial burden on top of my day job, and I’ve been able to learn by getting involved and helping run things – that’s rare in London.
“But it’s not just for artists. The building is constantly used by the wider community, from free exhibitions and open studios to council surgeries, voting stations and local groups.
“There’s a strong sense of community – people form real friendships here.”
The organisation outlined issues with the building on its fundraising website including it being cold, difficult to access and suffering from poor energy efficiency, with significant heat loss.
Refurbishment plans include replacing the roof, upgrading electrics and improving accessibility, as well as creating more flexible spaces for events, teaching and exhibitions.
The project’s estimated cost is £4.6million, and is supported by organisations including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Architectural Heritage Fund.
A crowdfunder aiming to raise £70,000 has been launched as part of a wider funding effort and anyone wishing to support that can do so via Lewisham Arthouse’s GoFundMe page.
Feature image: Tom Bastin under Creative Commons Licence 2.0
Join the discussion