South London art enthusiasts can now enjoy another Peckham art gallery; The South London Gallery’s (SLG) Fire Station annexe. Located 100 metres away from the main site, this new contemporary art space which has been renovated by 6a architects is an expansion of the main gallery.

The Victorian building which was built in 1867 and is London’s oldest surviving purpose-built fire station was gifted to the SLG to give it a new lease of life. The Grade II-listed Peckham building had been left empty following the closure of Kennedy’s Sausages factory in 2007.

With the aim of preserving the heritage space, the building has retained many of its original features. The restored versions of the original rooms are spread over four floors and divided between small galleries, education and, community spaces. There’s a communal kitchen for artist-meal and community projects, and a studio for use by an artist-in-residence.

You will also find a gift shop which will sell bespoke products and collaborations with local designers and makers. As well as an open archive on the ground floor detailing the building’s history and the surrounding community.

The first exhibition to be held at the Fire Station is KNOCK KNOCK, which features work by more than thirty artists as it explores the enduring use of humour as a device in contemporary art. The event will run from 22 September – 18 November.