Capacity 4,000 | Duration 3 months
The Beams project involved transforming a disused section of the former Tate & Lyle sugar factory into a versatile cultural space, designed to host night events, fashion shows, and film productions. Our intervention respected the building’s industrial heritage while introducing a range of modern enhancements to support new uses and ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
The internal structure was carefully demoralised, creating flexible, open spaces while preserving the raw, industrial character of the factory. New compliant exit routes and fire escapes were strategically added to improve circulation and meet modern safety regulations without disrupting the building’s historic fabric. Acoustic performance was a key focus: we installed soundproof doors, roller shutters, and additional acoustic treatments, allowing the space to accommodate live events without compromising comfort or safety.
A new toilet block was integrated to support the increased capacity, and shipping containers were cleverly inserted as sound-deflecting structures during performances. Every intervention was conceived to complement the existing industrial aesthetic, retaining exposed steelwork, brick, and utilitarian textures while introducing modern functionality. The result is a dynamic cultural venue that merges the building’s storied past with contemporary performance and event requirements, offering a unique environment for creative expression.