Art Circus gets permanent home in Newham

Newham Council has provided a permanent home to the first 'Art Circus' for children in the world. The project helps to inspire young people through a variety of different art mediums and provide education through play. 

The council approved Cathedral (Moss) Ltd's application for the construction of a new mixed-use development. The project will see former warehouse buildings on the Moss Electrical and Goswell Bakeries site demolished to make way for new structures. A number of buildings will take their place, ranging from one storey to 16.

A total of £4 million has been promised to the council as part of the project. This money will see the construction of off-site affordable housing.

The Art Circus, called The House of Fairy Tales (HoFT), is currently occupying one of the warehouses that is due to be demolished. However, Cathedral has given the space to HoFT for free on a temporary lease while a new unit is constructed as part of the development.

HoFT is a charity that provides lessons and activities on a range of artistic topics for children. The first of its kind in the world, the charity is supported by a number of well known artists, including Damien Hirst. Its current facilities include photographic and film studios, costume wardrobe, puppet theatre, and prop making, as well as a theatre and small cinema. The building also includes space for ceramics, publishing and printing, providing a wide range of activities for children.

Councillor Conor McAuley, chair of the committee, said: “This is a double win for us. Not only are we helping secure a new home for a fantastic children’s arts charity, but we are also getting £4 million towards much-needed affordable housing in the borough.

“London is moving eastwards and Newham is at the heart of the new London. We are seeing some of the most exciting and dynamic regeneration projects in the world taking place here, helping to transform the borough and the lives of our residents.”

Published 23rd October, 2013

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