Takero Shimazaki Architects’ plans to expand east London’s The Yard Theatre have won the backing of the London Legacy Development Corporation.

The practice’s proposals will retain some of The Yard’s current structure at Hackney Wick, but the venue’s capacity will be boosted from the current 110 seats to 200 and a 23.5m-tall natural-ventilation chimney will be constructed that will also serve as a “visual beacon” for the centre.

Additionally, work at the Queen’s Yard venue will deliver a bigger bar area and first-floor space for young artists and community groups to use.

…