Opening in November 2019, Poplar Works is a workspace, a training centre, and a garment production unit set across two sites on the Teviot and Aberfeldy estates. With over forty individual studios, training spaces and an on-site manufacturing centre, Poplar Works’ aim is to help people and business reach their full potential in the fashion industry.
Poplar Works is the product of a proud partnership between Poplar HARCA, the Trampery, London College of Fashion, UAL, and the Greater London Authority. It is part of the Fashion District, a partnership of organisations supporting the growth of the fashion industry in East London.
- 48 low cost studios at Poplar Works
- 40 people trained each year in fashion and textiles
- Over 170 businesses supported
“The Accents team is doing remarkable work in Poplar, developing audacious projects that draw on deep roots in the neighbourhood’s history to create new opportunities for the future. The Trampery is honoured to be working with the team to help realise Poplar Works and foster a new focal point for fashion and creativity in Poplar.”
Charles Armstrong
Founder, The TramperyWe want to support people in our community to excel in this growing industry, and equip people with the skills and opportunities to establish careers in the creative industries. Poplar Works will:
- Provide much needed low cost workspace: There will be over 40 individual studios at Poplar Works, with a specific focus on early stage businesses, and people moving into their first workspace
- Train over 40 people a year in fashion production: London College of Fashion, UAL’s award winning Making for Change programme will be offering fashion production training at Poplar Works. Partnering with Newham College they will offer vocational training, with a focus on securing employment with local fashion manufacturers
- Offer a range of business support programmes: A lot of local entrepreneurs have great ideas but need a hand in making this into a reality. Poplar Works will host different support programmes for fashion businesses at different stages, making sure there is an offer for everyone
- Bring manufacturing back to Poplar: London College of Fashion, UAL’s Making for Change programme will include a manufacturing unit with full time roles in fashion production
Nadine is a resident of Teviot and lifelong resident of East London. She recently signed up for a course in Fashion and Textiles at Newham College but she is finding it hard to commit to the timetable due to childcare issues (she is a mother of five). By bringing the training to her neighbourhood she will be able to manage the challenges of childcare more conveniently. By locating her training course in the same space as 40 businesses, Nadine will be able to establish a network of potential employers and collaborators whilst she is studying.
