Thursday 2 May 2013

Promising Futures On the River: Post 100

Morning All!

Good day yesterday with Steve and Dean looking at the potential options for the development of the Malthouse and Granary in the Abbey Road Cultural Quarter. Even came up with an exciting possible name for it, watch this space!
As well as developing our studio performance space there is a great opportunity for a cafe and restaurant right on the river at Barking Creek.


The Houseboats on Barking Creek
We spent some time standing on the terrace overlooking the houseboats and the stillness of the water. The Barking Creek joins the Roding to the Thames here.Unfortunately a legacy of its recent industrial history and the neglect of the past couple of decades has left it with a   largely unvisited waterfront. And yet it has a unique beauty of its own and its history lies silently at every turn. 


For a casual passer by the area looks no more than a building site right now, and indeed the front of our building is dominated by a big red crane. However in eighteen months time the whole landscape will be different, with 113 new homes. This coupled with the plans for a vibrant cultural quarter is hugely exciting. Much like the development of Docklands this small corner of the Thames will soon renew itself again as it has always done through history. 

We are starting now to plan a pilot programme of performances, exhibitions and catering offer to get things moving over the next few months and we will be marketing the space for rehearsals and performances to other arts organisations and trainers at rates that will be much more competitive than in central London.
Rehearsal Studio at the Malthouse

We have been involved in the vision and development of the Malthouse since its beginning over ten years ago and its now wonderful to see just how the whole area will be regenerated and realise that vision over the next couple of years.
We are excited to be part of it.

If you know of any theatre/dance companies who are looking for rehearsal or studio performance space do get them to contact me carole@arctheatre.com or Nita nita@arctheatre.com


Have a good day.

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