The Exchange

by Robin Lee Architecture

Client The Exchange

Awards RIBA South East Award 2024 and RIBA South East Conservation Award 2024.

This previously abandoned and dilapidated former Carnegie Library in the Thames-side former industrial town of Erith has been brought back to life by being repurposed as a community centre. The result of a tenacious, committed client able to put together a team to obtain funding, secure volunteers, and commission professional services in order to achieve a vision, it is a wonderfully engaging project.

The architects were invested in community consultations throughout the process, skilfully concentrating a limited budget on important aspects while being mindful of the community’s wishes. They have cleverly adapted the spaces of the Grade II listed, early 20th century structure, with modern plywood insertions making it clear what is original and what is added. The result is an exciting contrast that successfully reflects the building’s new uses.

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal.

Gross internal area in m² 844