A successful example of heritage led regeneration in London.
Discover how Waltham Forest Council transformed the historic Granada cinema into Soho Theatre Walthamstow, a flagship £30m cultural venue delivered efficiently through our Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2).
Restoring a Landmark for the Community
Once a derelict 1930s cinema, the former Granada building has now been reborn as a 960-seat cultural and entertainment venue in the heart of Walthamstow. As one of our members, Waltham Forest Council was able to appoint Willmott Dixon Interiors for this ambitious refurbishment and lead a project that combines heritage conservation with modern theatre facilities and a bold vision for the local night time economy.
Project Highlights
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Client: London Borough of Waltham Forest
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Contractor: Willmott Dixon Interiors (MPF2 Partner)
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Value: £30m+
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Duration: 100 weeks
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Size: 48,000 sq ft
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Sector: Leisure / Culture
Project Delivery: Balancing Heritage & Innovation
Under the MPF2 framework, Willmott Dixon Interiors completed a full restoration of the Grade II* listed building while integrating new performance and public use spaces. The renovation included:
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A fully refurbished main auditorium with new stage and enhanced sightlines and acoustics
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Three new bar areas
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Two flexible studio spaces
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A state-of-the-art media suite
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A modern café serving both visitors and the local community
The project respected and revitalised key architectural features, including the ziggurat ceiling, original foyer, and historic façade, preserving the building’s Art Deco charm while meeting today’s performance and accessibility standards.
Sustainability and Social Impact
More than just a construction project, the Soho Theatre Walthamstow transformation delivered outstanding social and environmental value:
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£6.7 million+ in social and economic value generated
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60+ local jobs created
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4,000+ volunteer hours donated by Willmott Dixon Interiors to training and youth employment initiatives
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Solar PV panels and an energy-efficient façade significantly reducing energy use
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Removed from the Theatres at Risk register
Consultant Team
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Project Manager: London Borough of Waltham Forest
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Architect: Bond Bryan
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Quantity Surveyor: Aecom
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Services Engineer: GDM Partnerships
Procurement That Delivers
This project is a shining example of what’s possible through Procurement Hub’s Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2), enabling fast, compliant, and collaborative procurement for complex capital projects across the UK.
To find out how MPF2 can support your major regeneration or public-sector project, learn more about MPF2 here or get in touch with our team.