Trinity Buoy Wharf

"Trinity Buoy Wharf is a smashing place to work in" Theresa Smith — Mooch Design

In 1996 USM won an LDDC competition to develop Trinity Buoy Wharf into a centre for the arts and creative enterprises. Work started in 1998 and it is now a thriving place where creative people can experiment, put down roots and grow. A range of activities on site includes exhibitions and events, workshops and studios and larger flexible use spaces. USM works with many arts and education organisations and continues to develop and nurture these partnerships. Currently there are over 190 people working on site including sculptors, painters, bronze workers, musicians, architects and furniture makers.

From 1803 to 1988 Trinity Buoy Wharf was owned by Trinity House. It was used for manufacturing buoys and docking lightships and has the only lighthouse in London, used by Michael Faraday in 1863. Between 1988 and 1998 it was owned by the London Docklands Development Corporation who refurbished the Chain and Buoy Store and the Lighthouse. There is a pleasing mixture of new build and carefully preserved existing buildings, with plenty of open space. Recent developments have included a public pier and 3 large workspace schemes made from converted shipping containers. USM is working with surrounding landowners and Leaside Regeneration to bring a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Lea, linking Orchard Place with Canning Town.