Find out about plans to turn Redbridge Town Hall into a buzzing arts hub in the heart of Ilford

Space, a leading contemporary visual arts organisation, will be opening 38 creative studio spaces as well as a public art gallery in the former 1920s library turned council offices in Redbridge Town Hall in spring 2019.

It is offering a free tour of the beautiful building in High Road, on Saturday, December 8, to take a look behind the scenes.

As well as visiting the artist’s studio and community spaces, you can share your hopes and ideas for the building and register your interest in a space.

A Space spokeswoman said: “Three tours will take place between 1pm and 4pm.

“Tours are free but spaces are limited, so please book a ticket at your preferred time slot at eventbrite.co.uk/e/space-open-house-tours-of-redbridge-town-hall-tickets-52346092572.”

Walk-ins on the day are welcome, but it is advised to book to avoid disappointment.

If you can’t wait till December or want a snippet to tickle your taste buds, watch the Ilford Recorder’s sneak peek video of the former library before Space move in.

Leader of the council, Councillor Jas Athwal, said: “We believe that culture will play a major role in the future of Ilford and are delighted to be working with an organisation of Space’s experience on this exciting first project.

“Alongside exciting proposals for other spaces around the Town Hall we want to turn Ilford into a vibrant cultural hub and the workspace being provided by Space will open up Ilford to the creative community as a destination of choice - this was my administration’s election promise, and we are delivering on that promise.”

Established by artists in 1968, Space runs 20 artist studio buildings across eight London boroughs and Colchester, providing affordable creative workspace plus support programmes, such as exhibitions, artists residencies, bursaries and training opportunities, to enable artists to be sustainable.

Space also delivers learning projects for schools, young people and communities neighbouring Space studio sites, to promote engagement with creativity and the arts.

Space’s CEO, Anna Harding, said: “We hope this will create new employment and training opportunities for Redbridge residents, as well as contribute to transforming the town centre as a destination.”

For any queries about the open day email emma@spacestudios.org.uk.