Historic Tate Institute in Silvertown Restored by Community Project

The historic Tate Institute building in Silvertown, Royal Docks, is being restored by the REinsTATE project, led by Gee Sinha. The building, originally constructed by Henry Tate for his sugar factory workers, had been closed since the early 2000s and fell into disrepair.

Newham Council took ownership of the property after it was occupied by artistic group Craftory. The REinsTATE project, which began in 2024, aims to bring the building back into community use, with potential plans including a community garden, studios, an event space, and a business hub.

Community-Driven Restoration

Gee Sinha, founder of Respace projects, emphasised the project's commitment to community involvement. "We make sure the community is present with the decisions we make about the building," Sinha told MyLondon. "When we finish fixing the building, they will be its owners."

The project prioritises the repurposing of salvaged materials, with volunteers reaching out to businesses for used items rather than sending them to landfill. This approach has already seen the local community band together to repair the ceiling and source materials.

Addressing Local Needs

Sinha highlighted that the Silvertown area feels 'forgotten' despite its proximity to infrastructure improvements in areas like Royal Docks and Docklands. He noted that while the Elizabeth Line passes through, there is no local station, indicating a lack of direct benefit for the community.

"This is an underprivileged, underserved community, but they're tough," Sinha stated to MyLondon. "I want to bring money into the area by using this venue for multiple purposes."

The project has collaborated with local food banks and community groups. Newham Council, including the Mayor, has supported the initiative, helping to secure the lease for the building.

Future Aspirations

The REinsTATE project is seeking funding to continue its work. Sinha expressed a desire to replicate the project's model elsewhere, stating, "Ideally, we'd want the blueprint of what we do here to be replicated anywhere. Anywhere there is waste that can be recycled and built into something that helps save our planet and communities."