Our proposal for the development of Cockpit Studios’ building in Deptford was granted planning consent in May 2022. The project will see the provision of new and extended studios, two new education and community spaces, a public café and garden.

This is a landmark moment in Cockpit’s history, supported and enabled by our work with the organisation from 2019 onwards. The award-winning charity and UK top 100 social enterprise has operated in Deptford since 2002, where it is home to over 60 makers and microbusinesses, working in more than 20 different crafts. The proposals were awarded £2.3 million from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund and the Stride partnership.

Ambitions for the project include creating an attractive public face for the building that encourages community use; enhancing Cockpit’s educational offer; improving shared facilities for Cockpit’s makers; and creating additional studio space to expand the makers’ programme.

Plans focus on reorganising the internal spaces of the existing building at Ground floor to unlock underused space. Education spaces at ground floor play an important role in making the building and activities more open, inviting and accessible, while meeting growing demand for events and practical workshops. The café and garden space give Cockpit a permanent public entrance for the first time, transforming the organisation into a vibrant community hub.  Simple new structures for studios and storage in the rear yard will increase provision for makers.

The remodelled building and site will create new, affordable studio space and shared equipment hubs, accommodating an additional 21 businesses and supporting 26 jobs.