Village Underground was born of the need for affordable, environmentally stable studio space for artists in central London.

Originally we explored several sites for the project, but the Broad Street Rail Viaduct stole our hearts. Built in 1848, the viaduct had been derelict for over 20 years and had self seeded into a meadow with trees and wildlife.

Along with the viaduct, we negotiated with Hackney Council to also take over the then severely derelict Victorian warehouse. Where better to start a cultural centre than a place whose previous incarnations include a railway coal store, a music hall, and an eighteenth century theatre?

The main renovations took place over the course of a year, just in time for our opening April 2007.