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About Livesey Exchange by PemPeople

A new £2m development with two new community buildings on the Old Kent Road, opening in 2022.

Livesey Exchange (LEX 1) is a local grassroots project initiated by community enabler Nicholas Okwulu of Pempeople with the aim of transforming the garages of the Ledbury Estate on Old Kent Road into workshops, studios, multidisciplinary spaces, skill development training and cultural programmes. Following structural issues of the tower blocks on the Ledbury Estate, an alternative location was found in close proximity.

The new Livesey Exchange venue (LEX 2) will open to the public in 2022. It will be an important new piece of social infrastructure. Through its mix of accessible social, cultural and community space, it will serve to support the local community.

Named after the Victorian industrialist George Livesey – who set up a quasi-cooperative energy company, the South London Gasworks, off the Old Kent Road, LEX 2 is a new cultural destination for Old Kent Road, designed and led by local residents.

Started at the Ledbury Estate in 2006, LEX 2 was initiated by Pempeople and developed with architects what if: projects.

LEX 2 is majority funded by Southwark Council, Greater London Authority (GLA) and contributions by local people and private companies – who have come together to support and deliver new neighbourhood projects.

Livesey Exchange (LEX 2) was granted planning permission by Southwark Council in March 2021.

We are now appointing Two Works Limited as the principal contractor to complete the build of LEX 2 in 2022.

Photo credit: Alexander Christie

More

Livesey Exchange Updates

The Black Makers by Making Numbers

Friday 29 October 2021 at Livesey Exchange Garages (LEX 1).

Senses By NDA (NeuroDivergent Association)

Wednesday 27 October 2021 at Livesey Exchange Garages (LEX 1).

Fabrix host the PERMANENT TEMPORARY by Pempeople

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 September 2021 at The Bottle Factory.

Film screening of Sensing the City: Young People and Regeneration in London

Friday 24 September 2021, 6.30 pm at Livesey Exchange Garages (LEX 1).

What The Local Community Has To Say

Thank you for providing me an opportunity to exhibit prints, photography and canvases from local artists who do not often get the opportunity to and to promo the launch of Artizan Radio. It was a pleasure being part of a well run and organised event which is credit to you (Nicholas), Noah and the rest of PemPeople/Livesey Exchange team. The Permanent Temporary event (as part of London Design Festival 2021) was a shining example of what Creatives need in terms of spaces for making. The attendance alone shows how much people of all ages are interested in arts and culture and local business.
Christian Shodip
Artizan Radio
I just wanted to say thank you for your proactive and selfless efforts of securing such a wonderful space for artists emerging out of lockdown. It has been a struggle as you well know and having that opportunity has helped me to be more positive about my practice and prevent doubts from creeping in. I hope something like that can happen again in the future and if it does I am very willing to help more than just set up my own stuff and would love to be a part of the production side. The Livesey Exchange is another remarkable foundation for something bigger.
Nick Landon
Artist
Fantastic to visit Livesey Exchange to see one of our unused garage spaces transformed into an amazing hub for makers & creators from every part of our community. Thanks to everyone at PemPeople for the amazing work you're doing & especially the inspirational Nicholas Okwulu.
Cllr Kieron Williams
Cllr Kieron Williams
Leader of Southwark Council, 2020 - Present
It has been thrilling to visit the Livesey Exchange and see the start of a journey that will bring local jobs and opportunities for local residents – genuinely inspired by everyone’s commitment and enthusiasm.
Cllr Peter John OBE
Cllr Peter John OBE
Leader of Southwark Council, 2010 - 2020
The Livesey Exchange 2 project is a true community-led project which emerged from a groundswell of a local initiative to support people in the Peckham area. By offering a safe place to meet and gain the skills and training necessary to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the scale of change in the regeneration of the Old Kent Road Opportunity Area.
Matt Derry
Senior Regeneration Manager, Southwark Council
Livesey Exchange will be an excellent space for our young people to hangout which will increase their confidence and well being.
Carol Ossai-Nwosu, Rest In Peace
Livesey Exchange would be a huge asset to the area – an exciting community project with so many interesting facets.
Alex Crawford
We completely support the Livesey Exchange and have been working closely with the team behind the project since the situation on the Ledbury first emerged.
Cllr Mark Williams
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport
Fantastic to visit Livesey Exchange to see one of our unused garage spaces transformed into an amazing hub for makers & creators from every part of our community. Thanks to everyone at PemPeople for the amazing work you're doing & especially the inspirational Nicholas Okwulu.
Cllr Kieron Williams
Cllr Kieron Williams
Leader of Southwark Council, 2020 - Present
It has been thrilling to visit the Livesey Exchange and see the start of a journey that will bring local jobs and opportunities for local residents – genuinely inspired by everyone’s commitment and enthusiasm.
Cllr Peter John OBE
Cllr Peter John OBE
Leader of Southwark Council, 2010 - 2020
The Livesey Exchange 2 project is a true community-led project which emerged from a groundswell of a local initiative to support people in the Peckham area. By offering a safe place to meet and gain the skills and training necessary to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the scale of change in the regeneration of the Old Kent Road Opportunity Area.
Matt Derry
Matt Derry
Senior Regeneration Manager, Southwark Council

Principal Supporters & Funders

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About Livesey Exchange

Livesey Exchange Garages (LEX 1) is a grassroots project initiated by Nicholas Okwulu who transformed 60 garages on the Ledbury Estate into workshops, studios and multidisciplinary spaces for local makers and creators.

Livesey Exchange (LEX 2) opening in 2022. The new building will be an important new piece of social infrastructure and through its mix of accessible social, cultural and community space, it will serve to support the local community as the neighbourhood undergoes major regeneration.

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