Regeneration news
Transforming the Tate Institute
ReSpace Projects are transforming Silvertown’s historic Tate Institute into a net-zero community hub with local residents. After 19 months of progress, they’re celebrating key milestones and launching the ‘Big 12’ event series to shape the next phase of regeneration.
In March 2024, ReSpace Projects received the keys to Silvertown’s historic Tate Institute from Newham’s Regeneration team, marking the start of an ambitious restoration of a building that had stood empty for over two decades.
Once a thriving social hub built by Sir Henry Tate for dock workers and their families, the Institute was on the brink of collapse. Today, thanks to a pioneering community-led approach, it’s being transformed into a vibrant, net-zero community hub.
ReSpace Project’s vision for the building has always been bold – to provide a flexible space that meets modern needs while honouring its rich history. Plans include a recycling hub, art and creative studios, a grassroots business incubator, café, and garden, bringing new life to a building that once served as a Victorian social club, wartime library, and air raid shelter.
In just 19 months, the project has already achieved some impressive results. Working closely with local residents, the award-winning social enterprise team at Respace says it has generated over £600,000 in social value, built a thriving membership of more than 400 people, and diverted £300,000 worth of materials from landfill through its innovative resource-sharing model. This collaborative approach is not only breathing new life into a heritage asset but also setting a benchmark for sustainable, community-led regeneration.
In two months, being part of this project has helped my mental health as much as two years of counselling.
Volunteer at the Tate Institute
ReSpace is now entering Phase 3 of its regeneration programme, adopting an events-based construction schedule. This innovative approach uses planned events and dedicated teams to complete tasks such as cleaning, repairs, building work, and interior design. Each event will showcase a newly activated part of the building, bringing the space to life and while preparing it for future use. Beyond bricks and mortar, this initiative is creating opportunities for volunteering, skill-sharing, and wellbeing. As one local volunteer put it: “In two months, being part of this project has helped my mental health as much as two years of counselling.”
Central to this phase of works is the launch of the ‘Big 12’ series - 12 events over 12 months celebrating the building’s past, present, and future. From film festivals and food-growing workshops to markets, sports competitions, and wellness weekends, these events will create community connections while transforming the building into a vibrant, functional space.
The programme is already well underway, with standout moments including the three-day Moving Beyond conference, which brought together over 75 business and community leaders from across the country; Open House weekend, which attracted more than 150 visitors following coverage in The Financial Times; and the recent launch of a monthly community table-top sale featuring new and pre-loved items.
Find out more: to stay tuned with upcoming events and updates visit reinstate.info or email hello@respacealliance.org
