Current Developments

Acme Studios is committed to developing new affordable studio projects in response to the huge demand from artists and threats to existing provision elsewhere in London.

To support this commitment we were awarded £2 million from Arts Council England's Grants for the arts - capital programme towards our long-term plan to develop more affordable, permanent, high-quality and accessible studios for artists.

The Galleria in Peckham, SE15, was the first project in this programme. Opened in January 2006, this new studio block, designed and built in partnership with Barratt Homes, was established as a ground-breaking 'planning gain' development. The success of this project has encouraged Acme to explore further partnerships with house builders, housing associations and local authorities. In April 2010, Acme opened new studios at Harrow Road as part of a major new housing scheme with Catalyst Housing Group in Kensal Green NW10.

We have a number of non-residential studio projects currently in development including:

Matchmakers Wharf, Homerton, E9

Developed in partnership with Telford Homes, this major scheme involves the demolition of the existing Lesney Matchbox Toys factory and the redevelopment of the site to provide three blocks ranging in height from between four to fifteen storeys to provide retail, commercial, 49 studios and 209 residential units (40% affordable). The studios will be available from June 2012.

The studios are the final part of a major grant to Acme from Arts Council England’s Grants for the arts – capital programme, which will contribute towards the creation of 180 permanent affordable artists’ studios across London by 2012.

High Street Stratford, Newham, E15

Acme's involvement in this large-scale development is the result of a long-term relationship with the London Borough of Newham. The regeneration department of Newham has been looking to replace the loss of our building in Carpenters Road, which was demolished to make way for the Olympic Park. Working with Genesis Housing Group, 27 studios will be provided in a landmark listed building, Warton House, as part of a project involving 655 residential units and over 13,000 square feet of retail and commercial space. The studios will be available from October 2012.

Please watch this space for further information about these schemes and other new projects.