Building Community & Creativity: 10 Years of The Boathouse & Rooff Ltd.

As The Boathouse Studios in Barking marks its 10th anniversary, we celebrate the unique partnership that has played a crucial role in our growth—our collaboration with Rooff Ltd. 

Rooff is a Barking based construction company, a family run business with an impressive track record stretching back over one hundred years. It might seem, at first glance, like an unlikely partner for an arts organisation. Yet, this long-standing relationship stands out as a special example of how commercial and creative sectors can successfully work together for community benefit.

Founded in 2014 by Carole Pluckrose and Rooff’s Development Director Steve Drury to create a vibrant space for art, music, performance, and community, The Boathouse has grown steadily, including navigating the economic and practical challenges of the pandemic.Under the leadership of Managing Director Mark Horn, Rooff’s involvement has provided us with the stability needed to develop from an ambitious idea into a vital local arts and events hub.

Rooff’s approach, rooted in the understanding that meaningful growth takes time, has been essential. Just as they build strong, lasting structures with care and attention, their support for The Boathouse has been thoughtful and consistent. Unlike many partnerships that are short-lived, Rooff’s commitment to a long-term relationship with an arts organisation is rare and invaluable.

Beyond practical support Rooff’s involvement reflects a belief in the role of the arts in fostering community and social value. Their investment has allowed The Boathouse to focus on its mission: connecting people through creative experiences. This commitment highlights Rooff's broader philosophy of community building which reflects their approach to their many  construction projects.

This is further exemplified by their work with the Dockland Settlements Charity where Mark has been a Trustee for more than twenty years, helping to steer the direction of the Charity. During that period he has helped with the renewal and development of three different community centres across East London, and more recently Rooff employees have constructed a new shelter for the Charity to expand the capacity of the food bank that operates from the Stratford Settlement.

Steve Drury’s role as Chair of the Boathouse Board has been vital in maintaining this support. His experience and pragmatic approach have helped us navigate challenges and stay true to our mission. This aligns with Rooff’s approach to supporting projects that contribute to the local area’s cultural and social fabric.

As we celebrate this important milestone, we acknowledge that our success has been enhanced by the trust and long-term support Rooff has provided. Their belief in nurturing steady growth has been key to The Boathouse becoming a place where arts and community thrive.

This 10-year anniversary is a testament to what can be accomplished when a commercial enterprise and an arts organisation come together with a shared vision. We look forward to continuing our work, building on this foundation of trust and community-focused support. 😊