The idea
Park Royal is a unique part of London - a large and busy industrial estate home to many varied industries and also now home to 100s of artists, designers and makers (and one of the Mayor's newest Creative Enterprise Zones).
Many creatives are already developing innovative solutions to the waste materials they find in the streets and skips of Park Royal - from turning abandoned tyres into furniture, discarded coffee cups into 3d print sculptures, old Levis into new fashion collections and leather offcuts into sandals.
In June 2022, PRDD and Echo gathered 100 local stakeholders - all committed to better connecting the creative sector with unwanted industrial resources. Encouraged by the success of this event, we have developed the idea to pilot a physical space where materials can be exchanged safely and in response to the local needs and wants. Working closely with local businesses we will provide a weekly collection service, and simple way for artists to access materials they need.
What we'll deliver
- A new materials exchange hub will be set up within the Excelsior Projects building in Park Royal from Dec 22-Dec 23
- A hub manager will be employed to collect materials from local businesses such as set builders and factories.
- A website will be developed where materials "offered" or "needed" can be listed.
- Artists, makers and local residents will be able to access these materials, saving them from landfill or incineration
Why it's a great idea
A solution for local businesses who need to dispose of waste responsibly, and also support the local community and creative economy.
At least one new role will be created - the hub manager who will oversee the day to day running of the hub and build relationships with local waste sources and potential customers.
West London's artist and maker community can find materials for free or very cheaply, which would have otherwise been sent to landfill.
The hub will provide an opportunity to educate and inform local businesses, construction projects, school pupils/students, residents and other key stakeholders on the benefits of a circular economy approach to waste and innovation.
The learnings and data from this project will be recorded and can be relayed to other parts of London and beyond.
Steps to get it done
- Materials sourced for fit out - Jan 2023
- Fit out complete - March 2023
- Website built + Marketing underway - Feb 2023
- Hub Manager Recruited - Feb 2023
- Re-Made in Park Royal Hub opens - March 2023
