Southwark Council has chosen an operator to run a new multi-arts centre on the site of the former Thorowgoods in Bermondsey.
The former furniture shop has been vacant for the last seven years and is now set to be taken over by Bermondsey 223 – a new company planning to deliver a ‘photography-based arts offer.’
The multi-arts centre will host free exhibitions, community events and screenings, and provide affordable studios for emerging photographers as well as studio hire for the photographic industry.
The recommendation to appoint Bermondsey 223 is made in a report to Southwark Council’s Cabinet, which will make a final decision when it meets on Tuesday 11 March.
Thorowgoods was once a thriving store at the centre of Bermondsey’s main high street.
Southwark Council acquired the property when it closed in 2018 and started searching for a new operator. It nearly became a cinema, after Southwark councillors revealed plans to convert the unit in 2020. But that fell through.
Cllr John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, said: “I’m really excited by the recommended appointment of Bermondsey 223 to develop and operate this new site. This is a great opportunity to offer the area a creative and cultural hub and I know they understand the importance that this will have in the local community.
“The multi-arts centre will encourage creative arts and be an inclusive space for everyone in the community, adding social value as well as tangible opportunities for people from all backgrounds.”
Subject to final approval by Cabinet next week, Bermondsey 223 will let a number of studios at affordable rates to young emerging photographers, while another studio space on the ground floor will be available for hire at market rate to the photographic industry. Bermondsey 223 will also develop a programme of community events to be held in The Blue.
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The building will undergo works to bring it up to standard as a publicly accessible space. Work is expected to start at the end of the year and it is hoped the new multi-arts space will be open in Spring 2026.
