This challenging and unusual project, following several years of steady fundraising, comprised the construction of the first new horse riding centre to be built in Inner London for some 30 years, providing a new purpose-built community riding centre for Brixton based charity Ebony Horse Club.

The site links together neglected open space, a disused housing plot (which had been vacant since wartime bomb damage) and several arches beneath a Victorian railway viaduct.  The arches now provide office and classroom accommodation together with a hay store and other facilities, a newly built stable wing provides stabling for eight horses and ponies, and the regenerated open space includes a stable yard, paddock and floodlit riding arena.

The stables wing and viaduct link block are built from traditional brickwork and timber superstructure, complete with a living roof which promotes insect habitat and wildflower growth, providing a sympathetic contrast to the surrounding urban sprawl.

The riding centre was officially opened by the Club's president, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, in October 2011.

Client:

Architect: Sarah Granville Architects/Acanthus LW Architects

Contractor:

Value: £780,000