Gainsborough Studios

After use as a power station, film studios, a whisky bonding plant and warehousing the site received planning permission in 1997 for a bingo hall. The landowners and Galliard Homes subsequently received permission for a 165 unit scheme involving demolition of most of the existing buildings. After the site’s 1998 sale to Lincoln Holdings PLC, a company noted for acquiring unusual buildings for residential use, their architects re-applied in 1999 with an invigorated proposal for a higher density, higher quality and 80% market sale residential development retaining the studio’s original Victorian building.

In June 2000 Hackney Borough Council approved a high density tower (reduced from 23 to 12+2 storeys) on the west building and additional penthouses on the canal-side in exchange for augmented Section 106 contributions. These agreements included a public courtyard and landscaped canal access, a work of public art to the minimum value of £120,000 (final cost £500,000), landscaping and irrigation, commuted sums of £200,000 for Shoreditch Park and £110,000 for road improvements. The scheme’s commercial uses include a rejuvenated film studio for hire, offices, corporate event facilities and premises designated for a restaurant and supermarket.