If you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing a show at the Roundhouse, then you’ll know just what an incredible performance space it is.
For anyone not in the know, the former railway engine repair shed is now a Grade II listed building and was transformed into a breathtaking performing arts venue 50 years ago.
Now, the London hotspot is turning up its star quality with a reboot.
While the main auditorium is to remain as it is, the makeover will see the addition of a huge new creative centre – doubling the number of young people the venue works with.
Currently, as well as hosting a stage that some of music’s most iconic stars have graced – from Jimi Hendrix to The Clash and Amy Winehouse to Britney Spears – the space also boasts studio and rehearsal access for 7,500 young people in the creative industries.
Fast-forward to 2022, and the £7.2m project will push this figure nearer to 15k.
This is an almighty triumph for young people trying to make their mark but who struggle with funding, space, mentorship, and local opportunity.
The exciting revamp will see a new co-working space, podcast studio and even more rehearsal rooms to support 18 to 30-year-olds entering the creative sector.
Speaking about the project, CEO and artistic director of the Roundhouse, Marcus Davey, said he also hopes to see more diversity within the industry following their overhaul.
Marcus said: “The creative industries aren’t very diverse, but young people who access opportunities at The Roundhouse are.
“This space will continue the step-change we want to see in diversifying the creative industries.”
He continued: “We know this will be a home for the theatre-makers, music producers and creative entrepreneurs of the future.”
Meanwhile, Roundhouse Trustee, Sanjeev Bhaskar, supported Marcus’ goal saying creativity doesn’t just belong to one group of people.
Sanjeev said: “We are all born with the ability to imagine, create and innovate but not everyone has equal access.
“So, it is important and heartening to see work beginning on the new creative centre, providing access to young people across all the wonderfully diverse backgrounds that London has to offer.”
We can’t wait to discover the new talent.
To keep up-to-date with progress, click here: Roundhouse.
