HRH Princess Alexandra opens Goldsmiths’ Centre
LONDON, April 26, 2012 – The new Goldsmiths’ Centre, a purpose-built development created by the Goldsmiths’ Company, was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra on April 25.
The Goldsmiths’ Centre will serve as a hub for members of the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades, as well as for the general public.
The Goldsmiths’ Centre represents the largest ever single investment (circa £17.5 million) by the Goldsmiths’ Company in support of its craft and industry.
The Centre has been set up as a charitable enterprise and at its core is the aim to help young people to enter skilled employment through vocational training, in addition to nurturing an enduring community of like-minded individuals and businesses from the industry and associated trades.
Situated in London ’s Clerkenwell, an area traditionally associated with the watchmaking and silversmithing trades, the new Goldsmiths’ facility incorporates an existing Victorian grade II listed structure, one of the first London Board Schools built in 1872, combined with an exciting new build element.
This redevelopment project was made possible through the partnership with the London Development Agency (LDA), which provided the brownfield site upon which the building stands.
A major element of the Centre is the workshops and starter studios, which are housed in the new build element of the building – a total of 19 workshops and 13 starter studios, providing workspace for up to 100 trade and young craftspeople at the outset of their career.
