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dRMM is proud to be working with the Dalston Trust on a community-led proposal to reimagine Colvestone Primary School, a Grade II-listed building, as a hub for creativity, learning, and wellbeing.
After the school closed in August 2024 due to falling pupil numbers, the future of this historic site, part of Dalston for over 150 years, was uncertain. In response, the local community successfully nominated it as an Asset of Community Value, highlighting its ongoing potential to serve Dalston’s social and cultural life.
The Dalston Trust emerged from a collective of dedicated local residents and businesses who began collaborating to develop a sustainable and financially viable proposal for the schools ongoing use. We’re particularly excited for this project for a number of reasons. Our experience with Hastings Pier, has given us a passion for developing ideas which benefit the surrounding communities, our practice has been based in Hackney since late 2024 and one of our directors, Judith Stichtenoth, lives close to the school.
Our vision is to preserve the building’s historic character while creating flexible spaces for exhibitions, intergenerational creative workshops, theatre and music performances, artist studios, a music hub, community café & bar, and garden spaces – ensuring this local asset remains inclusive and accessible to the public. The consortium of established enterprises include the Trust’s primary investment partner, The Lightbulb’s Greenlight Project, two charitable museums, two providers of artist studios and exhibition spaces, several craft enterprises, and a music hub dedicated to teaching, composition, and performance.
Hackney Council have invited expressions of interest from parties wishing to take over the School’s leasehold with a decision anticipated in the coming weeks.
You can keep up to date with plans for the school by visiting colvestone.org
