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UEL architecture students invited to redesign North Woolwich old station

Monday 11 April 2011

Karl Twomey

University of East London Student Governor and founder of the People’s Republic Film Society, Leezac Robinson, has opened a competition for University of East London architecture students to submit plans for the development of North Woolwich Old Station into a cultural space.

Built in 1854, North Woolwich Old Station once served the Great Eastern Railway but now stands empty. Leezac, who is studying for an MA in Fine Art at the University of East London, is now relentlessly campaigning for the building to be renovated and reopened as a shared space for creative arts. He has even received support for the project from local Labour MP Stephen Timms and Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt.

The objective of the competition is to visualize the change of use from what is currently a disused station building into a cultural venue and project space for young people starting a career in visual arts, film and radio broadcasting.

The project will be introduced by Katherine Clarke from MUF Architects and Dr Renee Tobe, from the University's School of Architecture and Visual Arts, on Tuesday April 12.

Interested architecture students will then be able to visit the venue on Wednesday and will then have two days to produce a visualization of the facade and a strategy for materials and making.

Leezac said: “This is a real opportunity for students to actively participate in the regeneration of North Woolwich by creating a lasting cultural legacy for the community, university and themselves."

Submissions will be exhibited at Building 1000, Newham Councils Offices, and a prize awarded by the People’s Republic Film Society for the best three entries.

Photo credit: Peter Thwaite

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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