Trinity Buoy Wharf

About

In 1996, Urban Space Management won a competition to develop the historic but derelict Trinity Buoy Wharf into a centre for the arts and creative industries.

USM’s evolutionary approach was different from the standard model, starting immediately with low cost, low risk activity and growing organically from day one. Step by step a phased programme re-invested any surplus into arts activity and new buildings. By responding to demand and opportunity it is now a thriving community of over 500 people occupying 90,000 square feet of space, of which 30,000 is newly developed using USM’s innovative Container City system.

To a rich mix of workshops, studios, offices, live/work accommodation, café and performance and exhibition spaces has been added London’s longest pier, The Faraday School, and tenants ranging from English National Opera, University of East London, The Prince’s Drawing School and Thames Clippers to independent fine artists, musicians, fashion designers and photographers.

Key Facts

Project dates	1998 - Present
Uses	Performance and arts venue, workspaces for creative uses
Area	90,000sq.ft
Jobs created	515
Investment	£4 million
Major initial tenants	English National Opera, University of East London, IPAD, Thames Clippers, Faraday School, The Prince’s Drawing School
Highlights	London Festival of Architecture, Tide Marks Exhibition by StephenTurner, Streetwise Opera, Red Bull Air Race, The Ghost Sonata - performance by Goat & Monkey Theatre Company, location for James Bond 'Tomorrow Never Dies', Launch of the David Beckham Football Academy
Partnerships	Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust, Open House, University of East London, New Model School, CIDA, Leaside Regeneration Ltd, Longplayer Trust, Aluna, English National Opera, Thames Clippers, Central Saint Martins School of Art, Lea Valley Regional Park Authority, London Docklands Development, Corporation, Wimbledon School of Art, Chelsea School of Art, Groundwork East London