Ventilation Installation at the Restored Soho Theatre Walthamstow
As part of its commitment to the legacy of the London Borough of Culture 2019, Waltham Forest Council undertook a major initiative to restore one of the borough’s most iconic landmarks—the former Granada Cinema in Walthamstow.
- Delivered a full base-build ventilation system for two commercial units beneath the Grade II* listed Soho Theatre Walthamstow.
- Installed supply, extract and kitchen extract ductwork routed from ground floor level to the 2nd-floor plantroom across multiple levels.
- Completed all fire dampers and builders’ works openings in full compliance with mechanical and fire safety design requirements.
- Provided tenant-ready infrastructure, enabling seamless future connection to AHUs and internal duct distribution.
As part of its London Borough of Culture 2019 legacy, Waltham Forest Council undertook a major restoration of the former Granada Cinema in Walthamstow. Following a £30 million investment, the Grade II* listed, 960-seat venue has been transformed into a modern, multi-purpose cultural destination, set to reopen as Soho Theatre Walthamstow in early 2025.
The restoration aims to place culture at the heart of the community, support the borough’s evening and night-time economy, and provide residents and local businesses with a valuable cultural asset for decades to come.
The Challenge
Following the renovation, Aston Group was commissioned to install essential ventilation infrastructure for the commercial units located beneath the theatre.
The project required:
- Creating a compliant ventilation route within a historic Grade II* environment
- Coordinating multiple duct routes across several floors
- Ensuring fire protection and builders’ works were carried out in line with design requirements
- Preparing the installations so future tenants could easily connect their own equipment and internal ductwork
- Navigating two separate commercial units with differing ventilation needs
This work had to be completed safely and efficiently while maintaining the architectural integrity of the restored venue.
The Solution
Aston Group delivered a full base-build ventilation installation across two commercial units, ensuring all ductwork was routed to the main plantroom and ready for tenant connection.
Commercial Unit A – Supply, Extract and Kitchen Extract
- Installed all supply air, extract air, and kitchen extract ductwork
- Routed services from the ground floor (SE corner)
- Took ductwork vertically up the riser to the 1st floor
- Continued horizontally across the building (within Commercial Unit C)
- Terminated all ducting at the 2nd-floor plantroom
Commercial Unit B – Supply and Extract
- Installed supply and extract systems only
- Routed ductwork from the ground floor
- Directed it vertically up a riser to the same 2nd-floor plantroom
Fire Safety and Builders’ Works
- Installed required fire dampers
- Created designated builders’ works openings
- Ensured full compliance with fire strategy and mechanical design documentation
Tenant-Ready Infrastructure
Aston Group delivered all ductwork up to the plantroom and interfaces at the commercial units’ boundaries. Tenants will complete:
- Final AHU connections
- Internal duct distribution specific to their layout and operational needs
The Results
Aston Group successfully provided a robust, compliant, and future-proof ventilation infrastructure for both commercial units beneath the revitalised theatre.
The completed works:
- Support the council’s long-term vision for a thriving cultural and commercial hub
- Enable incoming tenants to seamlessly complete their fit-out
- Protect the historical character of the building while delivering modern mechanical services
- Contribute to the functionality and sustainability of an important heritage venue
With its restoration nearing completion, Soho Theatre Walthamstow is set to become a major cultural destination for East London — and Aston Group is proud to play a role in bringing this landmark back to life.
