Mace Interiors appointed to deliver Woolwich Creative District

Mace Interiors, Mace’s fit-out business, has been appointed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to deliver Woolwich Creative District, transforming a historic military complex into a major cultural destination. 

The appointment comes as the Royal Borough of Greenwich provided a major update on the project which was awarded a planning consent in 2018. The project team for the transformation work includes Mace Interiors, architect Bennetts Associates, creative consultancy The Chase and Land Design Studio. 

The update included a number of major milestones for the project, including the announcement of Punchdrunk as a resident company for the Creative District, and the appointment of Valerie Vaughan-Dick as the Chair of the Woolwich Creative District Operating Trust. 

Woolwich Creative District will be a creative hub in the heart of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. This influx of cultural events, companies, activities and spaces to newly renovated heritage buildings will restore the area’s creative profile and drive audiences to experience internationally acclaimed music, dance, theatre and art against a historically significant backdrop. 

In addition to providing a cultural resource for the local community, the site will attract visitors from across London, the UK and beyond and with the introduction of Crossrail and the Elizabeth Line, Woolwich will be easier to get to than ever.

Phase 1 work has commenced to transform the five Grade II listed buildings. It will include the creation of: 

• A versatile venue in Building 41, seating 800 – 1200 or with a 1800 standing capacity, linking directly to an open air courtyard capable of holding formal events for 500+ people;
• Three professional studios in Building 41 (two of which can be joined to make one very large studio);
• Two community studios in Building 41;
• Three professional / education studios in Building 40;
• Two reception spaces specifically set aside for commercial use (overlooking the River Thames and the internal courtyard); and
• Generous public spaces and a café / bar.

This phase of the project is expected to be completed during 2020.

The district will have a significant positive impact on Woolwich and the surrounding areas; supporting the economic and social development across the whole borough with an anticipated 400 locals jobs created, in the long-term, by the Creative District.

Cllr Danny Thorpe, Leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: 

"The development of Woolwich Creative District begins a new chapter in this history of Woolwich and will make the town a destination for Londoners and visitors from across the country. Punchdrunk is a truly world class organisation and I’m thrilled that so many internationally renowned artists and companies are making Woolwich their home; cementing its position as a new cultural hub, which will benefit communities across the wider borough. We are absolutely committed to ensuring local people feel the effects of this development by embedding community benefits into leases and contracts across the board."

Stewart Ward, Director of Mace Interiors, said: 

“The Woolwich Creative District will transform this corner of London, creating a new cultural centre for the area. We’re very proud to be working with the Royal Borough Greenwich to deliver this visionary project. Alongside the long-term jobs created in the local community, we will be providing a number of construction apprenticeships and graduate placements on the project.”