From musicians to bra sellers, artists and storytellers, entrepreneurs turned out in force last night to launch Wood Green’s new creative workspace Blue House Yard.
Five minutes’ walk from Wood Green Tube station, the site is home to a giant bright blue house packed full of maker-tenants, plus a flexible Yard space for entertainment, food and markets, surrounded by two-storey wooden sheds where local creative businesses will sell their work to the public.
There was a real buzz last night as music played out, food and drinks were served and the entrepreneurs showed off the incredible range of skills and talents they are bringing to Wood Green. Guests also checked out a double-decker bus, which is being transformed into a landmark café at the Yard.
Cllr Joe Goldberg, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Social Inclusion and Sustainability, was at the launch with the Greater London Authority and the team behind the build. He said:
“This evening has shown just how exciting the future of Wood Green is. It has been a celebration of Wood Green’s creative spirit, which remains authentically London.
“Blue House Yard is a unique, lively, London destination where we can enjoy the talents of local people and their businesses. We have big plans for Wood Green and Blue House Yard is another step towards delivering the ambitious changes our residents have asked for.”
The tenants include a regular street food market, musicians, an art curator, ceramicist, PR firm for electronic music DJs, makers of luxury lingerie for fuller bust sizes, a tailor, satchel maker, wood craftsman, stationery maker, artist, vintage clothes firm, kilt manufacturer and a production company focusing on women’s empowerment.
Noelle Woosley and her partner Eden are singer-songwriters. They were performing at the launch and will be based at Blue House Yard. Eden said:
“This has given us an opportunity to develop our career but also to integrate with the community, which we love so much. Being from Wood Green, the development of the area is something we want to be a part of. Wood Green is a cultural melting pot and Blue House Yard exemplifies what can happen when culture and art come together.”
Eddie Bridgeman, director at High Street Works, which is delivering the project, said:
“The quality of the tenant applications for space at Blue House Yard has exceeded our expectations. There is something special going on in Wood Green.”
Blue House Yard, at a previously unused site owned by Haringey Council on Station Road, is a five-year “meanwhile”, or interim, project in place while the area awaits further redevelopment.
High Street Works enlisted carpentry apprentices from The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, to help with the project. HSW combines experience from award-winning firms Meanwhile Space CIC and Jan Kattein Architects – who have an unmatched record in delivering high street regeneration work in London.
The aim of the five-year project is to nurture talent in the area, bring a variety of skills together in one creative hub and boost local businesses. The scheme was made possible thanks to funding from the Mayor of London, Haringey Council and High Street Works.
London’s Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, said:
“The Mayor and I are committed to delivering more affordable workspaces for creative and enterprising Londoners across the capital. Blue House Yard will help foster a number of small businesses and I’m confident this will become an important community asset, as part of wider efforts to fulfil this area’s potential.”
