The Link Thamesmead received an award at the Design Week Awards 2013 which took place at The Artillery Garden on Tuesday. As well as winning the award for the best design in the Way-finding and Environmental Graphics category, The Link’s brand was also shortlisted.

Alphabetical Studio’s Designer, Bob Young said: “This award really is an amazing landmark for us as a design studio.

“A big thank you to Thamesmead Youth Voice for taking part in the workshops we hosted to help shape the creative process and to Trust Thamesmead - we can’t thank them enough for all the opportunities and encouragement they have given us. It’s been an exciting 18 months and to finally see the complex open and embraced by the community who helped develop it is exciting.”

Trust Thamesmead’s Head of Social Enterprise, Richard Fishlock said: “This award highlights the fantastic design work that represents the fun and colourful character of The Link Thamesmead, which was essential for its positioning under a flyover.

“It is an outstanding achievement for our designers Alphabetical Studio and a fantastic achievement for The Link, the Trust and Thamesmead Youth Voice. It is an inspiring venue which offers so much to members of the Thamesmead community. We always say the centre has to be seen to be believed and hope this award is the first of many.”

As well as designing way-finding signs, Alphabetical Studio worked on the brand design for The Link and various elements within it, including working on illustrations with young illustrators from YCN Talent Agency which Alphabetical turned into characterful designs which are used across various mediums including The Link Thamesmead website and promotional items; flyers, pens, postcards and collectible badges.

The Link Thamesmead is a state-of-the-art community centre based under the elevated roundabout in Harrow Manor Way which opened its doors for the first time on 1 October 2012, which offers an array of activities by its partners; Archway Project, Bexley Youth Service, Theatre Street Performing Arts and Thamesmead Gym, as well as various community groups and service providers. The centre also provides opportunities including training and volunteering and spaces for hire, with the second phase which will see an extension of Thamesmead Gym and Charlton Athletic Community Trust operating out of The Link Thamesmead, being completed this summer.