The cultural community hub is to become a new vaccination centre for Wandsworth.

From Monday, March 8 residents can receive vaccines administered by NHS staff at the venue on Lavender Hill. 

The front part of the building, including the Council Chamber room, will be turned into a clinical and contained area, while artists can carry on working in other areas.

Battersea Arts Centre is the only arts venue in South London to host large scale vaccinations.

As part of the initiative, it is commissioning installations that inspire hope, curiosity and encourage visitors to imagine a better future for their community.

Some of this work will be made available to experience online via bac.org.uk/discover

Artists making creative contributions include poet and playwright Inua Ellams, Brazilian student collective coletivA ocupação and learning disabled theatre company Access All Areas.

The other side of the building, including the flagship Grand Hall auditorium, will remain available for artist residencies, local community groups and venue hires.

Tarek Iskander, Artistic Director and CEO of Battersea Arts Centre, said:

“Throughout its radical history our Town Hall building has always been a potent example of hope and refuge at times of crises. The next few months will be no different. Everyone at Battersea Arts Centre is delighted to be collaborating with the NHS, Wandsworth Council and our brilliant local partners to be part of the response to these impossibly difficult times.

Dr Nicola Jones, Wandsworth GP and lead GP for the vaccination programme across South West London, said:

“Battersea’s former Town Hall has been at the centre of the local community since it was built and we are immensely grateful for the support of Battersea Arts Centre as we continue to expand the vaccination programme.

“Vaccinating as many people as possible will help to bring Covid-19 under control – offering us a realistic hope of a route out of the pandemic. Vaccinations are taking place in locations across south west London, they are safe and effective and I would encourage anyone who is unsure about being vaccinated to talk to your GP or look on NHS.uk for the facts on the vaccines.”