U+I has signed more firms to its Old Vinyl Factory development in Hayes.
Really Local Group has signed a deal to provide a three-screen cinema in the former Pressing Plant building on the site, once home to the 22,000 worker EMI factory, as well as a live music venue, community spaces, a café and bar and an EMI themed exhibition space.
U+I will sell the Pressing Plant to Really Local Group who will develop it as a cultural hub called “The Gramophone” in 2021.
Also The Nest, who operate indoor climbing and bouldering walls facilities, has taken 5,000 sq ft in the ground floor unit of The Material Store, a 189-home build to rent building operated by Fizzy Living. The Nest has already opened its climbing centre with a workspace, café, gym and fitness studio.
Rebecca Selby, Senior Development Manager, U+I, said: “We are very excited to welcome these two fantastic businesses to The Old Vinyl Factory. Both demonstrate U+I’s carefully curated approach to providing retail and leisure provision, with the aim of attracting independent brands and start-ups that help create a distinctive sense of place. Not only do we want to support new and interesting businesses but we want the people who live and work in this new part of London to be excited about their neighbourhood and what it has to offer. These businesses will add to the buzz at The Old Vinyl Factory and we can’t wait for them to open their doors.”
Preston Benson, Founder, Really Local Group, said: “The Old Vinyl Factory was once the epicentre of the world’s creative and music trade and has a unique blend of cultural and industrial heritage. We look forward to continuing this legacy and are proud to work with U+I to help deliver on their vision to create a vibrant and successful community. We have partnered with the Greater London Authority on this project, and are honoured to be supported by the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, which supports growth and community development in London.”
U+I has also secured planning permission to redevelop the Powerhouse building (pictured) on the site as a 29,000 sq ft innovation hub which will be part of its Plus X brand, which provides flexible workspaces with media studios, prototype workshops and bio labs.
