Collaborating with architect Suzie Bridges, the project will convert a vast empty building nestled in London City Island - East London, into a thriving arts hub with flexible workspace and a professional 300 seat fringe and community theatre. The theatre will feature work from award winning producers, directors and performers, whilst nurturing and encouraging community growth by connecting with local residents to provide exciting opportunities to participate in and enjoy theatre, performing arts and music. We believe that by supporting commercial theatre enterprise, we will enhance the economic exploration of new ideas and encourage a new generation of creative entrepreneurs to create brilliant new theatre, for all to enjoy. The project will provide a meanwhile use for an incredible empty space just moments from Canning Town station, creating an exciting and vibrant cultural destination, weaving together the dynamic creative and enterprising history of East London.

What we'll deliver:

• Transport a large donation of items from the Victoria Palace Theatre, including 300 West End theatre seats.
• Secure the lease
• Gain all the relevant planning and licensing permissions
• Design and construct a flexible workspace and 300 seat theatre
• Curate a seasonal programme of professional and community theatre
• Setup a marketing campaign.
• Work with Tower Hamlets to establish a community programme.
• Engage with local residents and communities
• Manage and curate events

Why it's a great idea:

The demand to support and engage communities in cultural activity has never been more important as the population of London continues to grow rapidly. Opportunities to engage in great culture are weakening due to the huge swaths of residential developments which are engulfing our ‘found’ creative spaces across the capital. Culture is universally recognised as an important part of life and it is important we support social entrepreneurs to provide sustainable new opportunities that will enhance the wellbeing of everyone. Furthermore, entrepreneurs within the creative sector face a high risk of failure, and it is important we provide the necessary resources and support network to support this activity. We have documented that over 80% of commercial theatre entrepreneurs would benefit from a practical workspace with access to a 300-400 seat theatre.

Steps to get it done:

• Transport and store our donation from Delfont Macintosh Theatres
• Engage relevant collaborators to deliver our ambition
• Acquire the lease
• Design and plan building alterations
• Acquire planning permissions and licensing consents.
• Build & Construction
• Establish community links & programme the first season of work

We have prepared a business plan showing full sustainability of the project from an economic and financial point of view, even under a fairly pessimistic stress test, i.e. a scenario of 20% reduced revenues and 15% increase in capital expenditure and operational costs. Three year cashflow forecast have been prepared, estimating capital & revenue expenditure and income over a three year period. We are in the process of discussing a rental agreement with the landlord and preparing licensing applications. All funding raised will be ring-fenced to delivering the project. Please help us to support our future theatre entrepreneurs, creative talent and growing communities by donating generously and becoming a part of this exciting new theatre! Gareth Andrew Williams & Tosh Wanogho-Maud