The Grade II listed building will undergo a phased transformation over the next two years, aiming to create at least 14 affordable artist studios. Plans also include a public exhibition space, a community area, and live/work studios for artists, subject to funding and planning permission.
WIP Space Studios, an artist-run organisation known for repurposing historic buildings across London, will manage the site. This marks their second location in Wandsworth Town and third in the capital. Their existing site at Wentworth House on Dormay Street already houses 17 studios, live/work spaces, a gallery, and an artist residency programme.
Mark Nader, founder of WIP Space Studios, expressed enthusiasm for the project. "For many years, the library was a place where the community came to learn, gather and create," he stated. "We're delighted to give this much-loved building a new life as a home for artists, and a space that local people can visit, take part in and enjoy. By taking on its renovation, we can bring a historic council building back into use and keep it in use for the community. Wentworth House has shown what's possible when a historic building is opened up to the creative community, and we're excited to bring that to Garratt Lane."
Councillor Lynsey Hedges, Cabinet Member for Opportunity, commented on the development. "Many residents will have been curious to see what would happen to the former Wandsworth Library building," she said. "This is an exciting opportunity to support artists with much needed studio space and cement Wandsworth Town as a growing cultural hub."
The new Wandsworth Town Library, which opened in early 2024, operates from Tuesday to Saturday.
