Immersive theatre specialists are moving into a disused industrial space in Wembley for a three year residency.
Formed in 2008, community and education outfit Punchdrunk Enrichment has taken immersive pop ups into primary schools, care homes and arts centres.
From next month they will transform the 8,000 square foot space in Watkin Road, Wembley Park into an "immersive arts" project where they will foster new work, engage with local artists and groups, deliver immersive family experiences, and provide training for Brent's young people and artists.
Brent primary schools will benefit from their whole school installations including literacy project The Lost Lending Library, which sees a mysterious travelling library appear overnight.
Other immersive storytelling projects have included Greenhive Green, which transformed a room in a care home into a village green complete with florist, phone box, and the scent of fresh-cut grass; and Fallow Cross, a fully functioning townlet in a Tottenham warehouse.
Punchdrunk Enrichment’s Artistic Director, Peter Higgin was one of the founding members of internationally renowned Punchdrunk theatre company, which stages epic immersive shows on huge sets. It's current show, The Burnt City, has taken over three warehouses in Woolwich.
The two companies are now separate and Higgin hailed the "progressive partnership" with Wembley developers Quintain as significant for both Punchdrunk Enrichment and the borough of Brent.
He said: "Quintain has provided over 8,000 square feet of space to realise the first-ever immersive community space, co-created and built sincerely and with integrity with local makers and residents. As an independent charity this is our most ambitious project to date and will realise our ambition to create meaningful and real societal impact in Brent.
"The space will be a blank canvas, ripe for imagination and invention. Our consultative work with local people will power the development of the space providing employment, training, and skills development opportunities prioritising local young makers who will be pivotal in the initial design and transformation of our new home.”
Matt Slade, retail director at Quintain said it was a "momentous step" for Wembley Park to welcome such a prestigious company.
"The positive impact of the arts on learning and well-being is undeniable, and yet it remains hugely underfunded. We’re proud to be able to support grassroots initiatives such as this, that enhance the lives of local people.”
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