In March 2024, ReSpace Projects received the keys to the historic Tate Institute in Silvertown to launch a flagship example of community-led regeneration. The mission was ambitious: restore a derelict Newham landmark that had stood empty for over two decades. Now, after overseeing a challenging Phase 2 net-zero carbon retrofit, the project has progressed onto Phase 3 of its opening plan, starting with the Great Hall. Throughout the last 21 months, community action on and off site has been fundamental to saving a much-loved building that was perilously close to complete collapse.
A Building With History
First built by Sir Henry Tate for the docks’ industrial workers and their families, the building continually adapted to serve its community’s evolving needs from 1887-1999, operating as a Victorian social hub, wartime library, sports club, air raid shelter and much more.
This flexible approach to the use of The Institute will continue to be how the building functions moving forward. The space will host a recycling hub, art studios, grassroots business incubation hub, creative studios, event space, café and garden, transforming a heritage asset into a 21st-century community facility.
Saving a Silvertown Landmark
In that time, the award-winning social enterprise, specialising in community-led regeneration and circular economy practices, has generated an estimated social value of £694,000 social impact for the people of Newham. They have built a membership of 400+ people and used their resource-sharing model to divert over £300,000 worth of materials from landfill. This resource-sharing model has produced some extraordinary moments, including furniture from the King and Queen of Qatar being redistributed to residents in local housing estates. This demonstrates how resources can transcend social barriers when the right systems are in place.
A New Way to Build: The ‘Big 12’
‘REinsTate’ is pioneering an events-based construction schedule. Instead of waiting for full funding before starting work, the team books a major event to create an unmovable deadline. This catalyses the action, driving teams to complete essential infrastructure upgrades, such as installing fire doors or lighting, to ensure the space is compliant and ready to showcase.
Once the event concludes, the building retains these permanent improvements, while revenue and reputation from the event fund the next phase. This cyclical approach has birthed the ‘Big 12’ series, consisting of 12 events over 12 months. From film festivals to wellness weekenders, the programme is already underway. The recent Moving Beyond conference drew over 75 attendees, while Open House weekend attracted over 150 enthusiasts after the project was featured in The Financial Times. Most recently, a monthly community table-top sale launched to sell new and pre-loved items. Visit reinstate.info for upcoming events.
Built By The Neighbourhood
The project pioneers an “embedded approach” to reconstruction with plastering, plumbing and conservation of heritage features worked on in collaboration with the plethora of specialised skills present in the surrounding neighbourhood. This, combined with a programme of activities reigniting the social and economic impact of space, is a shining example of community wealth-building involving local residents every step of the way.
Changing Lives
Beyond physical transformation and an abundance of future potential, the project is also changing lives day-by-day through ensuring that the space is always open for locals to come and share feedback, ideas, and plenty of tea and biscuits. Jock, a Silvertown neighbour and volunteer, described the impact it has had on his life:
“”A friendly member of the ReSpace team approached me when I hadn’t left my house in three years. Now I’m busy volunteering, helping serve the elderly and manage donations. It’s been an honour to be part of this project and see the huge positive change it’s brought to the neighbourhood. Just two months of involvement has helped my mental health as much as two years of counselling did.”
The Story Continues With You…
As the building now starts to open its doors, attempting to build a resilient blueprint for community-led regeneration of heritage assets, the team at ReSpace are keen to explore exciting partnerships with various corners of councils, developers, and community organisations. If you’d like to visit the space, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].