Arts centre to open in St Mary’s Old Church

Pillars of the arts community: St Mary's Old Church

An Elizabethan church is being revamped to create a new community arts centre in Stoke Newington ahead of its 450th anniversary this year.

The organisers of St Mary’s Arts Centre for the Community (SMART) hope to turn St Mary’s Old Church on Church Street into a hub of live music, art and creativity.

The refurbishment of St Mary’s will also provide it with new heating, kitchen and toilet facilities, repair its roofing and help preserve its historical pew-boxes.

Andrew Hudson, chair of SMART, said: “We are really keen to share this lovely building with the whole community in Stoke Newington, by opening it up for arts events of all sorts, and enabling people to appreciate its history better, whilst still using it for worship.

“From teenagers putting on their first gig to established professionals, from internationally known dance companies to local photographic groups, we look forward to seeing them all, starting with an opening festival in October.”

The project is the work of St Mary’s Church, Stoke Newington School, Hackney Youth Services and Common Air Theatre, with the building work being led by Matthew Lloyd Architects in Shoreditch.

Mr Hudson added: “We’d love to hear from people who’d like to get involved, either on the arts side or to help run the project, and we are still raising money, and would welcome donations.”

The church was built in the 16th century and survived the bombing campaigns of the Second World War. It was altered in the 19th by Sir Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament.

Anti-slavery campaigners such as the sister of William Wilberforce are buried in St Mary’s churchyard.

For more information, to volunteer or donate visit: smartn16.org