55 East opened at the end of 2017 after a successful crowdfunding campaign, bringing three formerly vacant shop units on East Street Market back into use as a community hub. The project, supported by Peabody and Southwark Council, has created an “open house” base for Hatch, a leading enterprise charity.
The shops were fitted out on a minimal budget as Lounge, Kitchen, and Studio to provide a cafe, workspace and event space for the mission-driven businesses and social entrepreneurs supported by Hatch.
The new shopfronts recall the historic facades of the original Pilton Place estate buildings, with traditional stall risers, fanlights, and internal fitted shutters. The units are simply lined with spruce plywood with a continuous shelf and a deep window zone which creates an adaptable platform for different uses.