Pioneering Partnerships

The Albany announces pioneering partnerships across South East London

The Albany, South East London’s leading performing arts venue, has won the contracts to manage both the Culture Space at Southwark Council’s new ‘super’ library in Canada Water and the Deptford Lounge, Lewisham Council’s new award-winning building complex and civic space in the heart of Deptford.

These new partnerships with Lewisham and Southwark Councils will see the Albany extend its mission of contributing to the cultural, social and economic benefit of this part of the Capital.

At a time when the arts sector is seeking to broaden and diversify its funding base, these new partnerships represent an innovative business model for the Albany and further cement its position as a visionary arts and social enterprise at the heart of its local communities.

Gavin Barlow, Chief Executive of the Albany commented: “With our experience of working within the arts and closely with local communities, we are in a unique position to share our expertise and experience. These new ventures reflect our objective of helping to drive forward the regeneration of these important and undervalued parts of South East London.”

The new Canada Water Library opened on 28 November 2011. Representing a £14.1m investment by Southwark Council and designed by world renowned architect Piers Gough, Partner at CZWG Architects, the library is part of a major regeneration project in Rotherhithe.

The Albany will manage the 150-seat Culture Space, presenting a programme of theatre, music, dance, comedy, live literature and community events. The Albany will also manage a suite of six high-tech meeting rooms and learning spaces all of which will be available for hire.

Cllr Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics at Southwark Council, said: “The Albany has a great track record and I’m excited by the range and quality of what will be on offer."

Due to open in January 2012, the Albany will manage Lewisham Council’s Deptford Lounge. This initial contract will see the Albany setting up and running the facility, developing a programme of events and activities with partners and ensuring wide community use of the building.

Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “I'm delighted the Albany will be managing the Deptford Lounge on the Council's behalf. The Albany remains a key attraction in Deptford town centre, and the range of activities and services offered by the Lounge will complement the varied programme of events that the Albany offers, helping to make Deptford even more of a must-visit destination.”

The Lounge, designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects, will be a hub of community activity hosting learning, cultural, leisure and community services within one venue. The building is central to Lewisham Council’s plans for the regeneration of Deptford town centre, and has already been recognised for its innovation by winning the WAN AWARD (education sector) from World Architecture News for 2011.

Download a PDF of this press release here.