art studio, civic, community/cultural
00 Architecture in partnership with Bow Arts, 2017
Southmere Lake Complex, 2 Bazalgette Way (formerly Belvedere Road)
what3words: blend.fast.blitz
Iconic brutalist building in the heart of Thamesmead, renovation led by Bow Arts Trust in partnership with Peabody, supported by the Mayor’s London Regeneration Fund (LEAP). The centre has opened as a cultural hub for Thamesmead.
Abbey Wood
229, 244, 177, B11, 401
Two floors building (lift to get to the top floor and stairs) Café/Restaurant on site Free parking nearby
- Live music - Seating available - Restaurant - Free family Friendly workshops lead by professional artists -Quiet Zone
12:00–18:00
Explore the 38 artist studios and join Bow Arts for a day of music, exhibitions, and family-friendly workshops.
Explore the 38 artist studios located inside the 1960’s iconic brutalist building Lakeside Centre and join Bow Arts for a day of music, exhibitions, and family-friendly workshops. During the event guests will be able to walk around the building, visits artists' studios and look out at the Southmere Lake from the roof of the building.
Bow Arts is an arts and education charity and social enterprise that is committed to making the arts affordable and accessible for all – they have been nurturing London’s diverse creativity and talent for over 30 years.
Through their affordable artist studios and creative guardianship scheme, Bow Arts provides low-cost housing for creatives in Thamesmead, with the proceeds supporting inspiring and inclusive schools and young people’s programmes, facilitating culture and providing opportunities locally.
The Lakeside Centre was first built in the early 1960s. Since then it has operated as a bar, restaurant, nightclub and community centre, as well as the filming location for Misfits, A Beautiful Thing and Clockwork Orange, the venue holds an important place in Thamesmead’s history.
Bow Arts first took on the brutalist building in 2017, transforming the disused site into a dynamic, multi-use arts centre with support from the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund, Arts Council England, and Peabody.
A Thamesmead landmark, surrounded by nature with stunning views and the area’s famous skyline, was completed and opened in 2019.