Open Call for makers, creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share their passions and skills in Ilford

Following the award of additional funding from the Mayor of London's Good Growth Fund in 2021, Redbridge Council is delighted to announce that the 'Spark Lab' will be launching in Ilford Town Centre in Spring 2022 in collaboration with Things Made Public.

The project will support the development of our Cultural Quarter, bringing a host of new creative activities, interventions, and opportunities to the area, surrounding Redbridge Town Hall.

The Spark Lab is located within The Deco Building (the former Dorothy Perkins), on Ilford High Street, and was purchased by Redbridge Council to provide local small and micro businesses opportunities by helping them get started.

The building is being converted into an exciting new space, providing an opportunity for makers, creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share their passions and skills with residents and visitors.

Supporting these small and micro-businesses will help provide jobs for local people and add to our high streets.

Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: "The Spark's launch gives local entrepreneurs starting out the opportunity to build a business in a busy shopping area with support from the Council.

"As we have had to stay closer to home throughout the pandemic, many of us have spent more time shopping and eating locally. I am proud that we're able to capitalise on this to give local people the unique opportunity to grow their businesses in the heart of Ilford town centre."

Cllr Rai, Deputy Leader of Redbridge Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Leisure and Culture, said: "We're investing in local communities across Redbridge, improving our high streets and supporting local businesses. The opening of The Spark Lab will provide a new creative space where local people will have access to business space for six weeks and receive a £7,000 bursary to deliver their concept in the town centre.

"The pandemic has created immense hardship for many local businesses, and we're committed to supporting a full recovery. The launch of The Spark for budding entrepreneurs follows our investment in other local initiatives, including Mercato Metropolitano food market, Space art gallery and the Kenneth More Theatre, revitalising Ilford Town centre." 

The Opportunity:

Whether you are an organisation that is keen to share your skills, expertise or performances with a wider audience, an individual looking to launch a sustainable new business venture, or a group of friends with an amazing idea to bring the community back together after lockdown, this opportunity is committed to supporting local people develop and deliver exciting initiatives for local people and visitors to enjoy.

We are inviting proposals particularly relevant to Ilford - its history, present, and future. From an immersive theatre experience where residents are submerged into the heart of 1920's glitz and glamour or a new environmentally conscious refill food shop where residents can learn about sustainable living, this space could be for you!

Seven successful applicants will receive a six-week residency opportunity in 'The Lab' as well as a bursary of £7,000 to bring their ideas to life.

Applications are open until Monday 7 February 2022. Further details and how to apply can be found at https://www.ilfordsparklab.co.uk

For further information, please contact Lauren Martin: Lauren.martin@thingsmadepublic.com