Brixton’s 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning centre in Railton Road is to be redeveloped with the aid of a £475,000 grant from the mayor of London.
The money will come from his Good Growth Fund which supports regeneration in London and news of the grant comes soon after the award of £200,000 to Lambeth as a result of the bid for London Borough of Culture status.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said the award for 198 would increase and improve space for the creation of visual arts, industry skills training and provide a new community resource.
198 Contemporary Arts and Learning has been fundraising to add two floors to its building near Herne Hill station.
Established for more than 25 years, 198 is committed to “making a real difference to people’s lives with projects that provide real benefit for personal, social and emotional well-being” as well as supporting emerging professionals who want to build careers in the creative and cultural industries.
“We aim to unlock potential and provide a platform from which individuals can learn new skills, aim higher, achieve more and ultimately live fulfilling lives,” it says.
Several other South London projects will also receive funding. Florence Eshalomi, Great London Authority member for Lambeth and Southwark and a Lambeth councillor representing Brixton Hill, said five key Southwark and Lambeth cultural projects had been backed by the Good Growth Fund.
“A portion of the £24 million funding pot will go towards delivering a dedicated HQ for the Southbank Centre’s new education programme, and the creation of a new creative digital industry workspace and community enterprise and skills hub at Waterloo Works,” she said.
She was “delighted” by the grant to 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning Centre on Herne Hill, who were looking to expand and provide a hub for youth enterprise.
Mountview in Southwark, an internationally renowned drama school, has been awarded funding to develop a new mixed-use cultural space in Peckham, and the Livesey Exchange has also been granted investment to build a creative space on the Old Kent Road for young people.
“This significant investment in Lambeth and Southwark will enable local people to take an active and meaningful role in the regeneration of the community, and fully share the benefits of the results,” said Eshalomi.
