New lease of life for Stratford’s Cultural Quarter
Situated in the heart of Stratford and a stone’s throw away from the 2012 Olympic site, Stratford’s vibrant Cultural Quarter is to receive a boost with a wide ranging package of physical and management improvements to make it an even more attractive place for local residents and visitors.
The Cultural Quarter partners – Stratford Circus, Theatre Royal, Stratford Picturehouse and the new Stratford Island University Centre – have come together to produce a fresh vision for their part of Stratford, and a phased approach to ensure delivery. The initiative was led by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) which has also provided the initial funding and supported by the local business-led Stratford Renaissance Partnership (SRP).
The vision for Theatre Square and the wider Cultural Quarter was produced by Make Architects, aiming to re-animate the public spaces and better align the existing buildings. LTGDC funding saw production of a vision document, but will also provide for initial public realm improvements and further design work on proposed changes to the cultural buildings by March 2011. The work will also see the cultural partners work together on better management procedures for the public spaces and more generally the promotion of Stratford’s cultural offer.
Stratford is the focus of unprecedented investment and development. In addition to the Olympic site and Stratford City, the Town Centre – home to the Cultural Quarter and Theatre Square – is also being improved. A groundbreaking public art project – the Shoal – is now under construction and when completed by Autumn 2011 will comprise the world’s biggest kinetic sculpture, providing a symbolic focal point of Stratford’s renaissance.
LTGDC has funded the £9million road improvements on Stratford High Street currently nearing completion and also led the development and part-funded the new £33 million Stratford Island University Centre. The efforts of the Cultural Quarter partners will now see the Cultural Quarter playing its full part in Stratford’s transformation.
The arts opportunities in the Cultural Quarter are already a major draw for local residents and visitors. During the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, they will entertain visitors from across the globe. The leadership, funding and partnership working from LTGDC has delivered not only improved public realm, but also ensures that the Cultural Quarter continues to play a major role in the regeneration of Stratford.
The programme of works and management improvements will be delivered by Urban Practitioners in partnership with SRP.
John Burton, Development Director of Westfield Stratford City and a Director of SRP said:
The Cultural Quarter will be an increasingly important part of the night-time economy in Stratford. It already provides a great deal of local vitality. The leadership and funding provided by LTGDC to develop the Cultural Quarter has been really helpful and is very well timed.
In addition to their work to secure the new Birkbeck and UEL University Centre there, this funding enables the cultural partners to develop their plans and enhance the experience for visitors. Westfield looks forward to continuing our work with the cultural partners.”
John Middleton, Head of Economic Development of LTGDC and a Director of SRP said:
LTGDC has a significant track record in making the right investments for Stratford – in public realm improvements on the High Street, the new University Centre and now the Cultural Quarter. We have been working closely with a number of partners to ensure that, together, we create the conditions for further growth and economic development in Stratford. The local arts and cultural businesses are at the heart of realising that ambition. In addition to their own economic activity, they also define the character of a place and amplify the ambition and determination of local people to be successful”
Debra Reay, Project Director of Stratford Rising said:
‘Stratford Cultural Quarter has added enormously to the variety, interest and creativity on offer in the town centre. Improving the atmosphere of the spaces in between our buildings is an obvious next step to spreading the message that Stratford is a great place to enjoy fantastic entertainment and a variety of creative art. We are delighted to be working together on this important project.’
