Galvanizers, SWG3
Following the success of our work on SWG3’s TV Studio, the client team identified an opportunity to further expand the venue’s programming. When the neighbouring former Galvanizer’s premises came to market, it presented access to a large, clear-spanned industrial space, along with an adjacent yard. Together, these spaces offered significant potential to enhance the scale, variety, and quality of events at SWG3.
Our approach focused on the careful retrofit of this distinctive industrial structure, balancing the preservation of its robust character with the technical demands of contemporary performance. The vast clear-span space required specialist acoustic design to address both internal sound quality and external noise breakout, ensuring the venue could host high-calibre events without compromising its urban setting. By integrating modern performance infrastructure within the fabric of the historic building, we created a flexible and resilient environment that celebrates the industrial heritage of the site while meeting the highest standards for live performance.
Stripping back the fabric of the shed revealed a wealth of distinctive features to be retained and rehabilitated — including the travelling crane running the full length of the space, the textured industrial brickwork, original steel structure, and vaulted ceiling. Working incrementally with the SWG3 team, we enhanced and celebrated these original elements while delivering significant acoustic and thermal upgrades.
The comprehensive retrofit included the removal and replacement of the roof, new linings, upgraded openings and doors, and a full refurbishment of the interior. The result is a robust yet versatile “blank canvas” space, adaptable for a wide range of uses and high-quality performances.
Alongside this, the adjacent Yard has been transformed into a vital external venue — providing capacity for large-scale activities such as the inaugural Yardworks Graffiti Festival and live events including The XX in summer 2017.