Soho Theatre Walthamstow

The Grade II* Listed former Granada Cinema, designed by theatre architect Cecil Masey and set designer Theodore Komisarjevsky, opened in 1930 as a Moorish-inspired architectural gem and cultural focal point for Walthamstow. Following decades of changing ownership and nearly twenty years of disuse, the building fell into significant disrepair and was added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2003.

Responding to strong local support and under the stewardship of Waltham Forest Council—London’s first Borough of Culture—the project team carefully restored the building to preserve its unique character while equipping it to function as a contemporary theatre.

Reopened in May 2025 as Soho Theatre Walthamstow, the venue now provides a high-quality performance space with improved accessibility, infrastructure, and community-focused programming, cementing its role at the heart of the borough’s cultural life.

Appointed as delivery interior architects, our role was to translate the original concept and conservation vision into a fully realised environment — ensuring that every detail, material, and system upheld both the building’s historic character and the operational demands of a modern theatre.

The design carefully balances restoration with renewal. Key heritage features — including the ornate plasterwork, chandeliers, Moorish-style ceiling, and sweeping staircases — were meticulously restored to their former grandeur. Alongside them, new interventions such as contemporary finishes, lighting, and seating were introduced to support accessibility, comfort, and performance.

The reimagined interiors enhance the visitor experience from arrival to performance. The foyer and circulation spaces are designed to draw people in, using light, tone, and texture to transition from the busy street into the warmth of the auditorium. Back-of-house areas were reconfigured to improve functionality, while new hospitality spaces extend the building’s social life beyond the stage.

Our delivery work focused on realising the concept’s intent with precision and care — resolving detailing, coordinating materials and services, and integrating modern infrastructure invisibly within the restored shell.

This project demonstrates the value of interior design in cultural regeneration. By reworking an existing structure rather than rebuilding, the theatre retains its authenticity while meeting the expectations of contemporary audiences and performers.

Every intervention — from bespoke joinery to technical fit-out — was developed to enhance both performance and atmosphere. The restored interiors now provide an inclusive, welcoming, and acoustically refined environment, ensuring every visitor feels part of the experience.

Our delivery ensured that the design intent translated seamlessly into buildable detail, safeguarding quality and longevity through every stage of construction.

From its inception, the project was conceived as a catalyst for community engagement and local cultural renewal. As the flagship legacy project for Waltham Forest’s tenure as the Mayor of London’s first Borough of Culture, Soho Theatre Walthamstow was designed to be more than a venue—it is a vibrant civic space for creative expression, learning, and social connection.

The theatre offers a rich and inclusive programme of performances, workshops, training, and artistic development opportunities, prioritising access for local residents, youth groups, schools, and diverse communities. These initiatives strengthen long-standing partnerships and nurture emerging talent within the borough.

Economically, the theatre has stimulated Walthamstow’s night-time economy and broader town centre regeneration. The project has generated 87 new jobs, 66% of which have been filled by local residents, and it is projected to contribute £58–61 million to the local economy over its first decade. The build phase also supported local supply chains and offered over 4,000 hours of employment-focused workshops and training, empowering young people into sustainable careers.

Sustainability underpinned both the design philosophy and delivery strategy for the project. Through careful restoration, the team was able to preserve a high proportion of the original fabric and significantly reduced embodied carbon compared to demolition and rebuild alternatives.

The building is now fully electric and gas-free, featuring air source heat pumps, energy-efficient LED lighting, solar panels, and improved insulation. Sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood and low-VOC paints were used throughout to minimise environmental impact, supporting a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating target and an annual CO₂ reduction estimated at 425 tonnes.

Social sustainability was equally important. Over £6.7 million was invested in local social and economic value, with extensive community engagement, training, and employment support embedded throughout the process. The venue’s facilities and programming now fosters social inclusion, creativity, and wellbeing—ensuring the theatre remains a sustainable asset for generations to come.

Soho Theatre Walthamstow exemplifies how sensitive restoration, expert collaboration, and community focus can transform a historic building into a modern cultural landmark.

It preserves heritage, supports local identity, and drives inclusive regeneration, securing a vibrant future at the heart of Waltham Forest.