Conservation & Heritage Issue 50 Winter 2025/Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 114
The Journey to Restore
The Gr ade II* Listed Former
Gr anada Cinema Building.
Waltham Forest Council restores and reopens its 960-seat Grade II* listed cultural venue
and welcomes Soho Theatre Walthamstow to manage the venue since the opening in
May 2025.
After a £30m investment, the council has returned the
much-loved heritage landmark venue to its former glory,
transforming the former Granada Cinema into a multipurpose cultural venue, offering the borough’s residents,
communities and businesses an invaluable asset for many
years to come.
Modern upgrades have also been introduced, including
energy efficiency and sustainability measures suited to the
building’s scale. The restoration and redevelopment were
carried out in collaboration with Willmott Dixon Interiors
and Bond Bryan Architects Ltd.
From the opening of the main unit, the theatre, back in May
2025. Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of the Waltham Forest
Council said:
In partnership with Soho Theatre—a London-based charity
and social enterprise—the venue will be operated by Soho
Theatre Walthamstow, a community interest company with
a national reputation for presenting world-class comedy and
live performance.
“
Extensive consultation with residents, businesses, and
community groups shaped plans that honour the building’s
heritage and art deco design. Working closely with Historic
England, the council ensured that one of the country’s
finest surviving examples of Spanish-Arabic architecture
was restored with care and authenticity. The project received
support through Historic England’s Repair Grants for
Heritage at Risk scheme.
We are thrilled, that after years of dedicated restoration,
the former Granada Cinema building will soon reopen
its doors as Soho Theatre Walthamstow this May! This
exciting development promises to enrich our community
with a diverse array of performances throughout the
year. Beyond the stage, the team will continue to foster
strong connections through community outreach,
offering local job opportunities, dedicated spaces
and special benefits for our residents and businesses.
Together we look forward to creating a thriving place
for everyone!’’
Below, view of Soho Theatre at night,
photography by David Levene
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