Barking and Dagenham Council is looking for a partner to manage two community assets in Dagenham on a 20-year lease to deliver an artist studio/workspace, and a cultural and social programme.

The council has been awarded £277,000 of funding from Arts Council England to redevelop Woodward Library into a new community arts and culture centre. Alongside this, is a new building at 2 Stamford Road, earmarked for community and commercial use.

The council is approaching experienced operators to propose and take forward a vision that ties both sites together, creating an exciting artist studio/workspace and cultural and social programme.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “Barking and Dagenham is a melting pot of arts and culture. We recognise the huge contribution the sector makes to our entire community and this generous funding from the Arts Council means that even more residents can enjoy it right on their doorstep.

“The new, dynamic space will open even more doors when it comes to the arts in our borough, by creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of budding talent. As an operator, you can be part of this. If you’re interested, I urge you to apply today.”

The deadline for applications is Friday 28 July, mid-day. More information and tender documents can be found on the Council’s e-tendering portal at https://lbbd.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml