Saville Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London building, New bar pictures, Architect, Design, Location, Images

Saville Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Updated 4 April + 27 March 2024

Design: SPPARC

Location: Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Images: SPPARC

Saville Theatre, London

SPPARC’s proposals for Yoo Capital include the restoration and repair of the building’s distinctive 1930s Art Deco facade, including its Gilbert Bayes frieze, one of the era’s most important pieces of art, and will reveal a large glazed window obscured from view for generations to create an impressive new entrance foyer. Inside, the studio will reintroduce a live performance space into the building for the first time in over 50 years.

SPPARC is also appointed as lead consultant on Yoo Capital’s £1.3 billion regeneration of Olympia London.

Yoo Capital, the renowned real estate investment firm recognised for its transformative mixed-use developments, proudly announces the submission of a planning application to Camden Council for the revitalisation of The Saville Theatre (‘the Saville’), located at 135 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8AH.

Since its inception in 1930, The Saville has been an integral part of London’s esteemed “West End”. Yoo Capital’s acquisition of the site in 2021 marked the beginning of a visionary journey to restore the Saville to its former glory and reclaim its position as one of Shaftesbury Avenue’s premier entertainment destinations.

In a collaboration of creative entities, Yoo Capital has engaged with esteemed partners to realise its ambitious vision for the development. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, the global leader in live entertainment, is working closely with Yoo Capital on the plans to develop The Saville into a venue that would introduce a one-of-a-kind artistic experience to London and the wider UK audience. The wider plans for the site will look to incorporate a citizenM hotel – the brand’s sixth location in London – and a comprehensive F&B offering provided by Incipio Group, who specialise in curating beautiful spaces with vibrant atmospheres for great times.

Lloyd Lee, Managing Partner, Yoo Capital, said:
“The Saville Theatre is steeped in experiences and heritage, having played host to many of the world’s most iconic entertainers over the years.

“We are delighted to be taking the next step in the theatre building’s history, submitting plans that will restore the site to its former glory with the ambition to be the home of another iconic live performance group for years to come.

“We are committed to revitalising The Saville Theatre for the future and creating the next chapter of its story within the legendary West End skyline, and providing benefits to the local community.”

The plans for the Saville’s restoration have been designed by SPPARC, the London-based architecture studio and lead consultant co-designing Yoo Capital’s £1.3 billion redevelopment of Olympia London. Building on its extensive experience of reimagining London’s rich heritage fabric, SPPARC’s remodelling proposals include the restoration and repair of the building’s distinctive Art Deco façade including the highly acclaimed Gilbert Bayes frieze, one of the few remaining features from the original 1931 design. Inside, SPPARC will reintroduce a live performance space into the building for the first time in over 50 years.

The proposals sensitively acknowledge the theatre’s original layout by reworking the Shaftesbury Avenue entrance to fully reveal the distinctive large glazed arch window that has been hidden from view for generations to create an impressive new entrance foyer and light filled feature stair into the impressive auditorium.

Working with local stakeholders and the Theatres Trust, SPPARC’s designs have been informed by a proactive approach to community consultation over the past 24 months.

This significant milestone follows extensive consultation and engagement discussions with local groups, emphasising the commitment to fostering strong connections between future partners, the venue, and the surrounding community. Leveraging its proven track record in delivering complex developments in London, Yoo Capital remains dedicated to engaging with local stakeholders, including Camden Council and residents’ groups, to ensure that the project delivers significant benefits and opportunities for the community.

Trevor Morriss, Principal Architect at SPPARC, said: “Our plans for the Saville Theatre will ensure this renowned venue synonymous with pivotal cultural moments in history will once again become a focal point for London’s creative scene.

“It has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with many stakeholders including the local community and Yoo Capital to devise a scheme for world class performance, complementing the surrounding area with a new theatre of the highest quality for live performances, while restoring and protecting a valuable piece of the city’s history, both culturally and architecturally.”

Architects: SPPARC – https://spparcstudio.com/

Renders: SPPARC

Saville Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, London images/information received 270324

Location: Shaftesbury Avenue, central London, England, UK

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