O'Donnell + Tuomey & Charcoalblue create performance space inspired by site’s industrial heritage

The opening programme has been announced for Sadler’s Wells East, the new contemporary dance theatre in Stratford, London, designed by Tenderstream member O'Donnell + Tuomey in close collaboration with fellow Tenderstream member Charcoalblue, who created a flexible performance space equipped with advanced technical infrastructure. As well as hosting a new centre for choreographic practice and a hip hop theatre academy - both of which will be the first of their kind in the world to be run by a theatre - the 500-seat space will offer a platform for mid-scale dance companies to tour to the capital, which until now had no mid-size spaces suitable for this type of performance.

Located at the southern gateway to Stratford Waterfront, and forming part of a new cultural and education district in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the building features an L-shaped public ‘living room’ foyer that wraps around the building, opening out onto the F10 bridge. Fully glazed, the foyer is home to a café, bar, ticket office and community dance area designed for informal rehearsals and performances, with views towards the outside performance space. A new, sculptural stairway leads down from the F10 bridge to Carpenters Road, where the stage door is located.

During the consultation process, the public expressed the desire for the building to reflect the industrial heritage of the site. In response, the design team created saw-tooth style rooflines that take inspiration from local warehouses and factories. Brick, concrete and hardwood floors create an industrial feel, while large windows offer views into the life of the building, as well as flooding the rehearsal studios with natural light and air.

Sadiq Khan, The Mayor of London, stated: “The opening of Sadler’s Wells East will be another exciting milestone in the East Bank journey. Renowned across the world as the UK’s leading dance institution, this brand-new venue will be a gamechanger for dance in the capital. The school, studio spaces and electrifying programme will showcase and nurture talent not only from London but across the country and provide inspiration and opportunities for young people – a world class vision that’s accessible to all, helping us build a better London for everyone.”  

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 22.07.2014 here

Start your free trial here or email our team directly at customerservices@tenderstream.com