A building under pressure

While The Albany remains a much-loved and heavily used community resource in South East London, the building faces increasing challenges. Ageing infrastructure, rising operating costs and outdated systems are making it harder to maintain an affordable, accessible and environmentally sustainable home for arts and community activity. 

Investment is needed to ensure the building remains fit for the future and continues to support local people for generations to come. The project seeks to unlock a substantial proportion of the funding required to renew this important piece of community infrastructure.

A partnership rooted in social value

At Stories, we believe development can be a force for positive social impact. This project reflects our approach of working with cultural and civic organisations to create solutions that balance financial sustainability with long-term community benefit. 

Working closely with The Albany, Aviva Capital Partners and Trinity Laban, we are exploring a model that generates investment for the arts centre while also addressing a recognised need for student accommodation in the local area. The proposed student homes would support Trinity Laban students and help reduce pressure on the private rented sector. 

Income generated by the enabling development would be reinvested directly into The Albany, supporting:

• Improved accessibility throughout the building

• Upgraded community and performance spaces

• Reduced operational carbon emissions

• More flexible and reliable facilities for community use

• Long-term financial resilience for the organisation 

Designed with the community

This project is at an early stage. No final proposals have been developed and the future of the site will be shaped through extensive consultation with local residents, artists, community organisations and neighbours.

Beginning in July 2026, public engagement activities will help establish design priorities for both the renewal of The Albany and any associated development. The process is intended to be collaborative, transparent and open, with a clear distinction between what has been agreed and what remains to be shaped through discussion with the community. 

Our ambition is to help create a renewed Albany that is more accessible, more sustainable, easier to use and better able to support everything from performances and rehearsals to community events, workshops and everyday social activity. 

Our role

Working with The Albany and Aviva Capital Partners our role is to help bring together cultural, social and commercial objectives in a way that protects what makes The Albany special while creating a platform for its next chapter.