Concession contract to operate Woodward Library & Block G of the Woodward Road Housing Scheme

Barking & Dagenham Council wishes to transform the Woodward Library site into a new community arts and culture centre using its awarded ACE capital grant. The Council have three key priority uses for the refurbished library that any operator must demonstrate they have considered in their open tender application: - Creative digital hub space providing much needed digital access and skills training for artists, cultural practitioners and residents. - Safe space for young people as part of the borough's Safe Spaces initiative, allowing young residents free access to the building. - Collaboration with key cultural partners (New Town Culture & Becontree Broadcasting Station), alongside at least two community partners in the borough to build a cultural programme for the space. Some potential uses for the library could include: - Rehearsal, exhibition and performance space for community groups, families, socially engaged practitioners and artists to develop new work that emerges directly from the experiences of residents of the area, both past and present. - Workshop spaces for community-based programming that are bookable by individual residents and local cultural organisations. - Community kitchen or café and garden/growing space to be used by core cultural partners and artists. - Office space for small community organisations that can also contribute the cultural programming of the library. - Permanent and temporary art commissions co-created with residents.