Planning consent has been given for the multi-million pound regeneration of a 2.5 acre site in Shoreditch, London by Plough Yard Development.
The development, called The Stage, will see a 40-storey residential tower building created containing 385 residential units including studios and penthouse apartments all with balconies or roof terraces plus a gym, private cinema and business facilities. Plus two office buildings totalling 250,000 sq ft will serve the technology media and telecommunications sector and 50,000 sq ft of retail space, cafés and restaurants will serve residents and visitors alike. 40 affordable housing units will be provided off site.
A spokesperson from Plough Yard Developments, said: "We called the development The Stage - Shoreditch to mark the area's legacy and enduring role as one of London's foremost creative quarters. We are delighted that our development will create new jobs, help to revitalise the site, and attract more visitors to Shoreditch through its association with Shakespeare.
"Our 'Shoreditch-facing' development not only provides the space required by the creative industries that drive the area's revival, but also provides a resource for education as well as creative and artistic expression. We intend to work with the local authority to ensure that the archaeological find becomes a vibrant focus for the local community, as well as one of Hackney's principal attractions. We will be exploring how to achieve this during the coming months."
The scheme's centrepiece will be a showcase of London's second oldest Shakespearean playhouse, the 16th Century Curtain Theatre, which was discovered during archaeological investigations in 2011. The theatre and related finds will be excavated, preserved and exhibited in a 13,000 sq ft space including a 164-seat indoor auditorium.
Externally, a 200-seat outdoor performance space will link to a new, 1.3 acre open square that will be brought to life with shops, bars, cafés and restaurants. An existing 19th Century Victorian railway viaduct will be restored to accommodate shops spilling out onto a plaza and with a 7,800 sq ft 'urban park' on top.
John Drew, architect behind the site and principal of Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will, said: "The scheme's design as well as its name befits the hidden gem currently 3m underground and ensures that the Curtain Theatre takes centre stage when this disused site in Shoreditch is regenerated. We'll be working very closely with the Museum of London Archaeology and English Heritage throughout the scheme's development to safeguard this amazing find and create an outstanding, internationally significant cultural and educational attraction."
The site is bounded by Curtain Road, Hewett Street, Plough Yard and Hearn Street and is currently a lifeless zone between the thriving areas of Shoreditch and the City.
