New London Awards 2022 Winner -Woolwich Works
Winner in the CONSERVATION category
Woolwich Works, the new creative quarter situated at the Royal Arsenal was previously the site of UK’s largest munitions factory. Bennetts Associates has fully adapted and refurbished two of the central group of five Grade II and Grade II* listed former buildings to create the home to a new creative district for the performance arts. The buildings provide flexible space for performance – including music, theatre, comedy, dance, and spoken word – and events such as exhibitions, training, and education.
Bennetts Associates maintained a “light touch” approach with majority of the existing character and layout retained. Building 41 and Building 40 is innately recognisable as former factory buildings. Heritage and limited intervention were prioritised due to its rich history and in turn, the integrity and underlying qualities shine through. Now with the new Elizabeth line opened with routes to central London, Woolwich Works is now connected to a far larger audience base.