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Art Hub Studios have applied to turn Mornington Centre in Stanley Street, a former school building, into studios for 100 creatives and businesses, and a space for free exhibitions.
The planning application was submitted by the director of the non-profit organisation, Luke Merryweather, on April 22, 2024.
Mornington Centre was previously occupied by Lewisham Bridge Primary School, between 2009 and 2011, and was decommissioned shortly after in 2015.
More recently, VPS Guardians secured it.
Art Hub Studios now hopes to temporarily relocate to the site, from its current location at 5-9 Creekside, SE8 4SA, due to plans to demolish and redevelop their current home.
However, no decision has been made yet on redevelopment plans for the Creekside site – despite these plans being submitted to the council in April 2023.
Art Hub Studios, based in Deptford for the past 25 years, has served as a supportive platform for local artists and students.
The relocation to the Mornington Centre aims to safeguard the workspace for 75 studio members currently based at Creekside, with an additional space envisaged for a further 25 studio members.
The proposed development aligns with the Lewisham Council Business Development strategy, whose aims are to protect affordable workspace and contribute towards establishing a headquarters for the Creative Enterprise Zone.
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In the planning statement submitted to Lewisham Council, Art Hub Studios said: “Mornington Centre will be a centre of the arts for Lewisham, at the heart of the CEZ, housing 100 creative practitioners and businesses, gallery and dedicated space for Creative Enterprise Zone initiative SHAPESLewisham.”
Art Hub Studios plans to continue its community gallery programme at its new address, offering two exhibitions per month and continuing to host events such as drawing classes and film screenings.
According to the plans, the gallery will be open from 11am to 5pm, Fridays to Sundays, with additional openings taking place from 6pm to 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
The council is expected to make a decision on the plans for a temporary change of use within the next few months.
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