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Stunning new headquarters for English National Ballet unveiled by London mayor, Sadiq Khan

26th Sept 2019

The spectacular new home of English National Ballet was officially opened in September by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. Working in collaboration with Glenn Howells Architects, Hydrock was delighted to provide M&E and structural engineering services on the new world-class, purpose-built facilities.

The five-storey, 93,000 sq ft building is four times the size of their previous buildings. It represents a transformational move that gives them an unprecedented space to develop world-class artists and create outstanding ballet to share with more people than ever before.

As part of the design team, the process for Hydrock centred around understanding how English National Ballet and the School operate and the very specific needs of each part of their respective companies, for example, from production space to wardrobe, from recovery space to learning space. The design needed to reflect that every room in the building would have a unique purpose – all part of supporting the creation of world-class talent and performance.

Working with Glenn Howells Architects and construction and fit-out specialists, BW, our M&E and structural design helped shape all the new features of this purpose-built facility, including:

  • Production studio with fly-tower designed for rehearsal with full set and lighting
  • Seven state-of-the-art full-sized rehearsal studios
  • Costume workshop with dye room and shoe room
  • Two learning and engagement spaces
  • Hydrotherapy pool, gym and pilates studio
  • Green room and spacious dancer changing rooms, with separate public changing rooms
  • Café and exhibition space for the public

Tamara Rojo CBE, Artistic Director of English National Ballet said: “Our new home is a hub for creativity, where imaginations will be ignited. It will be a springboard where artists from all disciplines can meet, grow, exchange, and inspire each other, creating work that can be shared with audiences up and down the country and across the world.”

English National Ballet marks its 70th anniversary in 2020.

Read our full case study on this project here.

Images © Tom Green Photography.