Woolwich Works, a new £31.6m restoration of industrial buildings into a new cultural hub on the Royal Arsenal site, has announced it is opening as a new 'cultural quarter' in Spring 2021.

The multi-million pound project by Greenwich Council aims to be "the capital's next landmark cultural destination", transforming a 15,000sqm complex in south east London into theatres, dance studios and places to eat.

The 'brand new arts hub', housed in the historic Royal Arsenal buildings, will be "throwing our doors open in Spring 2021."

When finished, the site will have a 1,200 seated or 1,800 standing performance venue, five studio spaces, an outdoor courtyard able to host performances, as well as a cafe, bar and spaces for community groups.

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In the newly announced plans, one of the site's new residents will be the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, a group of talented and emerging musicians who will also be working with the community to develop young people's musical and social skills.

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The NYJO's head of professional development, Roger Wilson, said: "I grew up in Woolwich back in the day when the area brought with it a lot of challenges. I’m under no illusion that many of these challenges are still present today and I want NYJO and Woolwich Works to provide meaningful opportunities for the local community.

"Woolwich is coming into the national focus and I’m really looking forward to seeing the area become the hub of arts activity. It’s very exciting to be back!”

Other resident artistic companies include the Chinkeke Foundation, Europe's first majority black and minority ethnic orchestra, dance theatre company Protein Dance, Punchdrunk, a world-renowned immersive theatre company, and Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair.

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On the project's new website, it says more information detailing the upcoming shows, events and creative projects plus jobs and placements available in advance of next year's opening.

"There will be a huge range of ways to be involved with Woolwich Works, and we look forward to sharing them with you over the coming months."

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Cllr Adel Khaireh, Greenwich cabinet member for culture and communities, said: “Woolwich Works will become a crucial resource for both the creative sector and residents of Royal Greenwich in the wake of the pandemic.

"Not only will it be an incredible venue for music, art and theatre, it will also become a major employer providing local jobs, education opportunities and attracting investment to the area too.

“It will be fantastic to have London’s most exciting new arts destination on our doorstep when it launches next spring, providing access to an abundance of arts and cultural opportunities for our residents and beyond.”