Yoo Capital has unveiled ambitious plans to revive and restore the iconic The Saville Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue in London.
The 1930s built, 110,000 sq ft Grade II listed building, which is commonly referred to as ‘the Saville’, hosted live performances by music legends such as the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry and Jimi Hendrix when it operated as a theatre.
The building was latterly converted to a four-screen cinema and Yoo Capital acquired the site in October 2021 with a view to restoring it to its former glory as a live entertainment venue.
SPPARC is leading the design of the proposed masterplan for the site, which will incorporate a boutique hotel operated under the citizenM brand and a comprehensive F&B offering provided by Incipio Group.
Yoo is also in discussions with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group about potentially using the venue as its first permanent home in the UK.
Eric Grilly, president, resident and affiliate show divisions at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, said: “We are thrilled at the idea of joining forces with Yoo Capital and the Camden community in rethinking the future of The Saville Theatre. We see a unique opportunity to bring back live entertainment to a beloved venue with fresh content and new ideas.”
Lloyd Lee, managing partner at Yoo Capital, added: “The Saville Theatre is part of the historical entertainment fabric of London’s world-famous West End. From its origins as a live performance venue that saw everything from plays, musicals and live concerts by The Bee Gees, Elton John, and the Beatles, to its closure in 1970 and conversion to a cinema, the Saville remains an iconic venue in the heart of London.
“Yoo Capital is thrilled to have the opportunity to restore the theatre’s original purpose as a live performance space, in partnership with the world’s most reputable live performers, Cirque du Soleil, who have chosen to explore the potential for the Saville to be their first ever permanent experience in London. We are also delighted to be in partnership discussions with world class operators citizenM and Incipio Group.
“We are committed to contributing this beautiful building back into the wonderful tapestry of live performance around the West End by revitalising its theatrical and hospitality history in a modern way. It has been relatively forgotten and underinvested in comparison to its sibling theatres and the buildings along Shaftesbury Avenue. Our plans will look to optimise benefits to the local community and the West End theatrical, live entertainment and hospitality industry.”
Trevor Morriss, principal architect at SPPARC, said: “Working with Yoo Capital to resurrect the iconic Saville Theatre is one of the most rewarding reimagining projects we’ve committed to. The Saville has been at the heart of entertainments cultural change since its 1930’s origins as a traditional West End theatre through into the 1960s Brian Epstein era.
“Having not operated as a theatre for over 50 years, SPPARC is privileged to design a theatre space that will rekindle the free-spirited creativity that made it a special venue for a great many globally celebrated performers.”
Klaas van Lookeren Campagne, CEO at citizenM Hotels, added: “We’re thrilled to be part of this new development at 135 Shaftesbury Avenue as we enter into Soho, an iconic and vibrant spot in the heart of London. This historic project is an icon within its community, and as a hotel brand which prides itself on welcoming guests who are culture-curious and conscious of the communities they are visiting, we understand the importance of being good neighbours.
“We strive to foster a sense of community throughout the development process and into our operations, by featuring local artists in our spaces, supporting community initiatives, and heroing locals in our campaigns and through art displays on our buildings. We’re looking forward to bringing our affordable luxury concept to our new neighbours in Soho.”
Yoo Capital commenced a public consultation with local groups this week and is looking to submit planning permission for the site when “all elements have been considered and finalised”.
