A crowdfunding campaign has launched to raise £25,000 to turn Peckham Road fire station into a new arts space.
South London Gallery hopes to open the revamped building to the public on September 20, 2018 as Southwark’s newest ‘cultural centre’, offering free arts exhibitions, education projects and other events to the community.
Construction work on the formerly derelict building has now completed but funds are still needed to kit the space out with a communal kitchen, artists’ studio and other furniture and fittings.
The crowdfunder will run until July 2, and unless it hits the £25,000 target, none of the money will be received.
Georgina Davey, head of development at the South London Gallery, told the News: “The money we raise from our crowdfunding campaign will be a huge boost in the final stages of fundraising for the Fire Station before it opens in September.
“We have set ourselves the challenge of raising £25,000 by July 2 to kit out the Fire Station and every donation will bring us a step closer to this target.
“The South London Gallery is a registered charity and all our exhibitions and education projects are completely free of charge.
“We hope our visitors and local community will help us transform the fire station into an inspiring arts space for everyone by making a donation and spreading the word to friends and family.”
The Grade II listed fire station was donated to the gallery by a mystery benefactor in 2014, after many years empty and unused.
Dating from 1867, it is the earliest surviving purpose-built fire station in London.
South London Gallery has been working with architects 6a to restore the well-loved Southwark landmark. To donate, visit the Crowdfunder page here.