London Legacy Development Corporation
Sadler’s Wells East
Sadler’s Wells East is a new cultural venue in Stratford, where our committed team has delivered the interior fit out to support performance, rehearsal and public life in equal measure.
KEY FACTS
Project: Fit Out
Sector: Arts & Leisure
Size: 96,380 sq ft
Contract: NEC 3 Option A
TEAM
Architect: O’Donell & Tuomey
PM: Mace
PQS: Mace
Services Consultant: Buro Happold
Structural Engineer: Buro Happold
The Project
At Sadler’s Wells East, our specialist team delivered the interior fit out of a new cultural venue in Stratford, shaping a building centred around dance, movement and performance. The project brings together a 550 seat flexible auditorium, six rehearsal and performance studios, and a series of public spaces including a bar and foyer, each designed to support a different rhythm of use. Working within a building conceived from the inside out, our role was to ensure the interiors responded to that vision. From highly technical performance spaces to more open, social environments, every element was delivered with a focus on clarity, durability and ease of use. What emerges is a building that works intuitively for its performers, its audiences and the wider community – ready to support everything from daily rehearsal to world class performance.
Built Around Performance
Every space within Sadler’s Wells East begins with the needs of the performer. Studios are designed with clarity and consistency, allowing dancers to rehearse without distraction. The auditorium is flexible, supporting a wide range of performances through its adaptable seating and stage configuration. Our approach to the fit out followed the same principle. Nothing unnecessary. Nothing that would interrupt the focus of the space. Instead, the emphasis was on creating environments that feel intuitive to use, where every surface, junction and finish supports movement, rhythm and flow.
A Careful Balance
Delivering interiors within a specialist performance building demands precision. Acoustic separation, vibration control and the integration of technical systems all needed to work together seamlessly, ensuring that each space could operate without compromise. Working closely with the wider team, we coordinated the fit out to align with these requirements, maintaining consistency across highly technical environments while preserving the clarity of the architectural vision.
Spaces That Welcome
While performance sits at the heart of the building, the experience extends beyond the stage. A generous foyer and bar create a sense of openness, connecting the building to its surroundings and inviting people in. The result is a venue that feels accessible and inclusive, supporting both professional performance and community engagement
Delivering With Care
Delivering a project of this scale within a new cultural quarter required careful coordination at every stage. Sequencing, logistics and the integration of specialist elements all demanded a considered approach, with close collaboration across the team to maintain quality and intent. It is a process that relies on attention to detail and a clear understanding of how each space will be used.
Our role was to deliver a space that feels effortless to use, while meeting the demands of a highly technical performance environment.
Andrew Nightingale, 8build Divisional Operations Director