Home / Arts and Entertainment / Olympic Crane Becomes £4M Theatre Sensation
Olympic Crane Becomes £4M Theatre Sensation
27 Oct
Summary
- A former Olympic crane tower is now a striking £4m theatre.
- The Yard theatre repurposed industrial chic with Italian flair.
- Sir Ian McKellen will soon star in a production at The Yard.
A repurposed Olympic crane tower in Hackney Wick has been reborn as The Yard theatre, a £4m project blending industrial grit with Italian elegance. Initially expected to be a temporary structure, this energetic young establishment has evolved into a significant cultural hub.
The theatre's striking new building, designed by Takero Shimazaki, cleverly incorporates salvaged elements. The former crane tower now serves as a ventilation shaft, a testament to the project's commitment to reuse.
Founded in 2011, The Yard began in a vacant warehouse, utilizing scavenged materials. Its success led to a £3m funding boost from the London Legacy Development Corporation, enabling the construction of the new, permanent venue.
Shimazaki's design features K-Briqs made from 95% construction waste, reducing landfill and CO2 emissions. The theatre's interior boasts opulent touches like gold columns and Milan-inspired bathrooms, creating an atmosphere of economical opulence.
The new auditorium, doubling the capacity to 250, balances the old space's raw charm with improved functionality. It offers an intimate yet grand experience, amplifying the sense of live performance for audiences.
Beyond the theatre, surrounding warehouse offices are being developed into a youth hub, with further community projects and public art installations planned.
