Here East unveils multi-million pound studio complex for East London’s creative businesses

Here East, the technology-focused campus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, has formed a new partnership to run The Trampery on the Gantry, a multi-million pound facility for creative businesses in East London.

The project will provide 10,000 sq ft of studios for Hackney Wick’s creative community. The space consists of 21 freestanding studios arranged as a “vertical village” along streets on two levels.

The 21 studios will be managed by The Trampery, the creative workspace specialist.

Designed by architects Hawkins\Brown, the studios are the first in the world to be built using the “WikiHouse” system of open-source building plans constructed with low-cost materials.

The studios have been delivered through the investment from Delancey’s DV4 fund, the property development company. 80% of the studios will be offered to creative businesses based in the Hackney Wick community.

The exterior of each studio has been given a decorative theme that pays homage to Hackney Wick’s innovators and landmarks from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Lesney’s Matchbox Toys factory and the Fridge Mountain.

In addition to being part of The Trampery on the Gantry’s creative hub, artists will also be able to tap into the network of creative and technological businesses at Here East, from Studio Wayne McGregor to UCL’s Robotics Lab and V&A East.

Members of The Trampery on the Gantry will become part of The Trampery’s broader community of creative and technology businesses, and will be able to access free training and business support through the Trampery Pathways programme.

Charles Armstrong, The Trampery’s founder & CEO, commented: “The Trampery on the Gantry demonstrates how innovative architectural techniques can bring this unique space to life.

“Working with Here East and Hawkins\Brown, I’m delighted to launch these unique studios for Hackney Wick’s talented creative community.”

Gavin Poole, CEO of Here East, said: “Over the past two years, the vision for The Trampery on the Gantry has taken shape, involving cutting edge design and construction techniques.

“The result is a truly groundbreaking home for London’s artists and creatives. Charles Armstrong has proven himself to be a leader in building creative communities and we are delighted to be partnering with him on this important aspect of Here East.”

Lyn Garner, chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, concluded: “Here East is already a hotbed of creativity and I’m thrilled that more local creatives will be based on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“The Park and surrounding area is at the heart of the most diverse creative community in London where innovation, collaboration and new ideas thrive – what a great location to have a studio.”