Broadworks

Broadworks was developed as a pioneering,
18-month project in collaboration with Landsec and Eastern City BID.

Hive Curates was selected as the operator and in response developed a multi-use, sustainably designed innovative cultural hub at 56a and 57 Old Broad Street.
We transformed three floors of disused space on Old Broad Street into a venue that supported a range of creatives through offering affordable studios, a gallery, and a shop to sell their work.  Broadworks was also home to a friendly coffee shop, event spaces, co-working space and a fantastic schedule of free and low-cost community events. 

The studio floor contained 10 studios, providing workspace for a wide range of creatives with varying practices - painters, jewellers, fashion designers, photographers, textile designers and more.

“Since joining Broadworks I’ve had the chance to continue exhibiting my pieces and run workshops - opportunities I would have struggled to get otherwise. It has been a game-changer for me.”

Stelios Karantonas, jewellery designer, studio 9

During summer of 2024, we ran an 8 week cultural programme called Unwind in the City, offering weekly wellness classes, free family workshops and live music events both at Broadworks and around the City.
The programme had a great response from locals, who mentioned their wish to have easier access to the arts in their daily lives. Running both movement and creative sessions meant we could reach a wider audience and create a truly rounded wellbeing-focused experience.

“I work nearby and saw Broadworks on Instagram.
I attended a yoga class and felt that Broadworks is a place where I can restore during my workday.”

Katie, yoga class attendee

During the 18 months, we saw over 11,450 visitors, supported 355 creatives, held 90 events and activated 5,426sqft of disused space.

The project was recognised by the New London Architecture as a national example of meanwhile activation, earning a High Commendation in the 2024 New London Awards.

Outside of delivering outstanding social value to the area and supporting artists at various stages of their careers, Broadworks proves that there is high demand for accessible, welcoming spaces, in the City and beyond.
Activating the disused building has made great impact on the local area and Broadworks serves as an example of what is possible for spaces in transition.

'“Ultimately, this meanwhile project has been a test for us - asking whether such offers are sustainable over the long term.
Broadworks has really proved to us that there’s an appetite and a demand and people really want to engage with spaces like this.”

Sophie Morgan, Landsec