Sadler’s Wells East: A New Cultural Destination with Local Roots and Global Impact!

The story of east London has always been one of boldness, innovation, and transformation. From early industrial breakthroughs to the pioneers of theatre like Joan Littlewood, this part of the city has always been a place of firsts.

East Bank: A Once-in-a-Generation Vision

Fast forward, and the creation of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) marked a new chapter in this story. Formed as a mayoral development corporation, LLDC was tasked with ensuring the transformative legacy of the 2012 Olympics would create lasting-impact and positive change for both local residents, visitors and all Londoners.

One of the cornerstones of this vision is East Bank, an extension of the London 2012 Olympic legacy, which forever changed the landscape of the East End. Bringing together world-class institutions: Sadler's Wells, the BBC, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, UCL , and the Victoria and Albert Museum - this is a powerhouse of culture, education, innovation and growth. With the support of the Mayor of London’s biggest ever cultural investment, over ￡600 million in funding has been allocated to create East Bank, positioning it as the UK’s newest, most exciting and significant cultural quarter.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan shared:

“This is a huge milestone in the East Bank journey. Sadler’s Wells East will be a gamechanger for dance in the capital and across the UK, bringing world-leading innovative performances to a brand-new stage and providing fantastic opportunities for young people. With many of the staff and performers living and working locally, it is already making a difference to the local economy. East Bank is creating a fantastic cultural legacy from the 2012 Olympics and I’m delighted that Sadler’s Wells East will help to inspire audiences and benefit generations to come, as we build a better London for everyone.”

The opening of Sadler's Wells East marks a defining moment in this new chapter of cultural investment. Nestled in the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the venue is more than just a state-of-the-art theatre for dance - it's a statement of creativity, community, and opportunity.

As shazia Hussain , Chief Executive of LLDC reflected on the significance of the new venue, she shared:

"It’s wonderful to celebrate the opening of this incredible new Sadler’s Wells East venue at East Bank. Delighted to see another of our cultural partners on the Park moving into a space of activation. It marks the culmination not just of a long-term vision, hard work and determination by many partners but also the start of an incredible opportunity for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the rest of east London to establish itself as a new cultural centre for the capital, building on the vibrant artistic heritage of local people."

Sadler’s Wells East: A New Cultural Hub for London

Sadler’s Wells East is set to become a place where all visitors can engage with world-class performances and cultural programming. As part of the broader East Bank development, it will be a hub for creativity, education, and artist development. The venue will not only house a cutting-edge midscale theatre with a flexible auditorium, but also provide extensive dance facilities, two schools, and an open-door policy, free activities, educational programmes, and community events.

With its incredible wrap-around foyer known as The Dance Floor, Sadler’s Wells East will provide a unique space for public performances, bringing together community groups, guest artists, and anyone with a passion for dance. It will be a place where creativity flows freely, where art forms of all styles are celebrated, and where local talent is nurtured and given a platform.

A Commitment to Community and Local Impact

The venue also has an inspiring commitment to accessibility. For the opening season, 20,000 tickets will be available for under ￡25, with ￡10 tickets available for young people for every single performance. These tickets aim to ensure that the magic of live performance is within reach of everyone, not just those with the means to afford it.

For Sadler’s Wells, being part of the community in Stratford is about more than just creating a world-class venue. It’s about contributing to the economic regeneration of the area, empowering local residents, and offering opportunities that were once out of reach. The venue has made a commitment that at least 50% of the jobs created will go to people from the four local boroughs—an effort to ensure that the benefits of this cultural powerhouse are felt throughout the community.

A Bright Future Ahead

The opening of Sadler’s Wells East marks the dawn of a new cultural era for east London. With its focus on creativity, inclusivity, and local empowerment, this venue is set to become a defining space for both artists and audiences. It’s not just a cultural centre—it’s a catalyst for economic growth, social change, and a more connected city.

As Sadler’s Wells East joins a growing constellation of cultural institutions in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, one thing is clear: east London is ready to take its place as a global cultural powerhouse, rooted in history yet looking boldly towards the future.