Shortlisted in the RETROFIT category

ROAR converted a vacant six-storey industrial warehouse into a creative and social hub in Tottenham for Purpose Group, who transforms abandoned buildings into affordable workspace. The Archives is a meanwhile space located in the Crossrail 2 ‘safeguarding zone’ and provides a diverse mix of uses with a programme that includes a café, climbing centre, makers' space, affordable studios and a performance space. 

The climbing centre occupies the 1st floor of the disused 1960s building, while the 2nd floor has been designated as an open-plan makers’ space. The 3rd and 4th floors have been divided into 36 individual studios. Opened during the pandemic, the building is now nearing full occupancy with a large community of creatives including artists, designers, photographers, radio stations, chefs and a florist. Working closely with the client-contractor a light-touch approach has been applied to the retrofit, delivering a viable scheme with a low-carbon construction method.

Vote for this project in the ‘People’s Choice Award’. The voting deadline is 1 November 2022.