# Former Warehouses Transformed into Community Hub in London

Assemble converts historic dairy depots into vibrant social space in East London.

- **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa)
- **Published:** 2026-07-22
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.archdaily.com/1181246/lifeline-community-centre-assemble>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4bb2e5e8-30f2-4b65-bc2c-b3f321fb1ac1

## Rebirth of Industrial Heritage

Architecture collective Assemble has transformed former United Dairies warehouses in London's Becontree area into a modern community center for LifeLine Church and Community Resources charity. The 625 sqm project sets an example for preserving industrial heritage through adaptive reuse.

## Historic Structures with Contemporary Purpose

Completed in 2026, the conversion project maintains the character of early 20th-century depot buildings while giving them new social functions. The raw concrete structures now serve as a gathering spot, strengthening neighborhood identity through thoughtful repurposing.

## Socially-Driven Design Approach

The space is designed to host Sunday church services while accommodating the local charity's education and support programs on weekdays. Multipurpose halls and flexible areas adapt to various community activities, maximizing the building's social impact.

## Balancing Preservation and Innovation

Original warehouse doors, brick walls and steel structures were preserved, while new glass partitions and modern utilities bring contemporary comfort. This approach meets current needs without compromising the building's industrial heritage.

## Urban Regeneration with Social Impact

Creating quality public spaces in dense social housing areas like Becontree Estate fosters community belonging. The project demonstrates how underutilized industrial buildings can be repurposed for neighborhood benefit, setting a valuable precedent.

## Pioneering Sustainable Architecture

Assemble's project achieves resource efficiency through existing structure reuse while building social capital. It serves as an inspirational model for similar transformations in London's evolving neighborhoods, proving architecture's power to drive positive change.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.archdaily.com/1181246/lifeline-community-centre-assemble — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
