Hackney Wick’s community arts hub Stour Space is set to have its future secured after a development in Hackney Wick received the green light by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC)

This comes after months of uncertainty over the future of the multi-creative venue; Stour Space narrowly avoided closure earlier this year after its lease expired, prompting locals to gather the funds in order to save it.

The fate of Stour Space will hopefully be fully secured if the property developer Future Generation receives planning permission for student accommodation in Hackney Wick.

The 330-bed scheme called ‘The Vogue’ in Stour Road will set aside some of its grounds for Stour Space, which will be awarded a 149-year lease.

Juliet Can, co-founder of Stour Space, said: “It’s very rare something like this happens, where a private company puts their hand in their pocket to show exactly how much they value the creative and cultural economy. They will have single-handedly guaranteed the future of the work we do, ensuring we can offer a cultural, civic and affordable workspace hub for generations.”

Since it’s opening in 2009, Stour Space has offered the local community a creative space, allowing artists to work freely and affordably.

Andrew Southern, Chairman of Future Generation and Southern Grove confirmed his company’s intentions at making sure Stour Space continues to have a role in the area. He said: “What Stour Space offers the local community goes hand in hand with our own values and, having learned of Stour Space’s struggle for survival we immediately felt we should do our bit. We’re committed to ensuring the future development of the community in the Hackney Wick area.”