A 1,200 seat theatre and massive new creative district is set to open in Woolwich in September as part of a £31.6 million restoration project.

Woolwich Works has announced it is officially opening in September 2021, bringing a 1,200 seat theatre and massive new creative district to south east London.

A 'landmark cultural destination' is being built on the historic Royal Arsenal site, with five listed buildings being transformed into a concert venue, studios, event spaces and more in a £31.6 million project.

And Woolwich Works has revealed its doors will open to the public on Thursday, September 23, 2021, ready to host music, theatre, dance comedy, exhibitions and more.

Woolwich Works

Woolwich Works

Woolwich Works

Woolwich Works

The new creative district was due to open in 2020, but have suffered several setbacks driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, with chief executive James Heaton describing the past year as "painful."

But Mr Heaton said they "so excited" to officially be opening, "excited that our stunning new venue will a part in supporting artists get back on stage and bringing audiences back together."

Greenwich Council and project leaders want to make the area into 'the capital's next landmark cultural destination' by transforming a 15,000 sqm complex on the Royal Arsenal site.

Woolwich Works

Woolwich Works

The result is a 1,200 seat performance space, an external courtyard, a variety of studio and hire spaces, with community and school initiatives also planned.

Woolwich Works

Woolwich Works

Open to anyone and free to visit, Woolwich Works will also offer public spaces, a cafe bar offering coffee and cake all day and cocktails in the evening.

And already preparing to move into their new home are Punchdrunk, an immersive theatre company, Europe's first majority black and minority ethnic orchestra the Chineke! Orchestra, plus Greenwich-based dance company Luca Silvestrini's Protein, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and local printworking showcase Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair.

Mr Heaton commented: "The past year has been painful. Hardship, loss and suffering are not the things that should be uniting people.

Woolwich Works

Woolwich Works

"That is the job of music, theatre, dance, circus, cabaret and comedy – and now, finally, shows are coming back.

"I’m excited that our stunning new venue will play a part in supporting artists to get back on stage, and bringing audiences back together to once again share the unique experience of live performance.”

Originally due to open in 2020, this was pushed back to Spring 2021 due to the global pandemic, which also hit finances hard.

But Woolwich Works was thrown a "lifeline" in £1m Government recovery funding in October, and has now committed to a September opening date.

More information is expected soon about the performances and activities coming to the exciting new site.

Woolwich Works

Woolwich Works

Commenting on the announcement, Valerie Vaughan-Dick, Woolwich Work’s Chair said: “We are so pleased to be at the stage that we can announce the opening of Woolwich Works.

"The team have been working hard and remained dynamic with plans throughout the unprecedented pandemic. As much as the delay is disappointing, we are going to be opening with the best start and are looking forward to honouring all of our objectives, especially targeting all aspects of diversity.

"We know employment numbers have been affected in the sector and we are in a great position to start tackling that challenge.

"Initiatives such as our ‘Step Up‘ programme and the relationships we are building with local colleges, training institutions and Universities will support this step change.”