The Canning Town Caravanserai
by Startacus Admin
Regeneration has been a real buzz word over the last few years, although it’s often something that gets spoken about more than actually put into practice. Now and again however, projects and initiatives appear which really epitomise what regeneration is all about and which if replicated elsewhere would be pretty amazing. So, if you feel your area could do with a touch of inspiration when it comes to regeneration, may we introduce to you the Canning Town Caravanserai...
This East 
London based initiative is creating a community space run by the community itself. The brainchild of Ash Sakula Architects, the Caravanserai is named after the oasis like trading hubs which were situated all along the world famous Silk Road and which supported the flow of commerce, information and people, this is a public space for everyone.
The aim is to have an entirely mixed use space - offering everything from enterprise units for startup businesses, art workshops, a community garden and food stalls through to a Children’s City offering children an opportunity for adventurous and exploratory play.
Although the initiative only opened in April of this year and the full implementation of plans will probably run through to 2017, there is already clear evidence of the difference it is making and the opportunities it is providing. Some traders have already been able to set up shop, including artist and crafts maker Diana Matoso who sells a range of upcycled accessories and Iman Ogoo who is selling her own range of natural skin care products. Language classes are being held weekly, there is a regular “no car required” car boot sale, a pop up garden event was held as a branch of the Chelsea Flower Show - I could go on....
With the work that has already taken place, it’s fair to say that when fully developed, the Caravanserai will be a real force for change in this area; enabling people to meet, share skills and expertise; facilitating connections between people, providing training opportunities and of course for promoting enterprise and trade.
As they say themselves, it is “a place where young people can trial a business, skilled people can teach and where everyone can visit.”
Unlike some other regeneration projects which are devised and developed by consultants, quangos and the like, this space is being driven by the very people who will use it - the local people. For real innovation and for showing us all what real regeneration is all about, Canning Town Caravanserai we doff our hats to you!
Why not find out more about the events, the traders and of course the plans of things yet to come by visiting the site itself.
Join the Self Start society! If you like what you see here on Startacus and want to get involved yourself, why not become a member of our growing community by joining for free here!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Rent the Backyard will build a studio apartment in your backyard, splitting the rental profits with you 50/50. Intrigued?
Revive was created to bring new life to coffee waste, collecting and recycling used coffee grounds to create a palm oil alternative!
Chilled beers, wines and spirits delivered in one hour, thanks to Edinburgh-based startup Drinkly.
Bubblebum has had its flagship product named as one of the Most Innovative and Most Attractive at the Child Baby & Maternity Expo in China.
Influencer marketing remains largely unchartered territory for many businesses, so here are some tips for getting it right on the first go.
Step forward Raise Accelerator, Northern Ireland's first privately-run startup accelerator. We chatted to three founders from their first cohort.
Rich Maaghul, CEO of ODEM.io explores the future of education and how disruption will transform the way that we learn...
The app that helps you achieve your goal body with easy to follow workouts for the gym or home.
The London based startup that has safer home care provision as its mission
The ethical rewards app Koin Rewards, reimagining loyalty through responsible shopping and tokenisation.
Published on: 22nd October 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- IAG’s Hangar 51 takes flight with latest innovation programme 31st Jul 2019 The latest Hangar 51 innovation programme is on the hunt for tech startups with a broad range of aviation industry solutions.
- 10 FMCG startups selected for first Seedrs accelerator 24th Jul 2019 10 FMCG startups selected for the 1st Seedrs FMCG accelerator, which aims to help FMCG startups raise capital on the platform
- Startup Leadership Program invites applications for its 9th London cohort 12th Jul 2019 The Startup Leadership Program continues to grow, inviting applications for its 9th London cohort to join the six-month program.
- Latest Zinc Company Builder Programme to transform the quality of later life 9th Jul 2019 Do you want to build a new purpose-driven startup with support from a world-class network of experts?
