History

Explore the Roundhouse's legendary past

The Roundhouse circa the 1940s, when Gilbey's Gin used it as a warehouse.

This magnificent Grade II* listed building, was originally built in 1846 as an engine shed and is recognised as an outstanding example of mid-19th century architecture, particularly its innovative use of cast and wrought iron to support the slate roof. Its elegant and robust detailing and internal size are all historically significant.

Its use as a steam engine repair shed didn't last long due to rapid technology advances and soon the Roundhouse was being used as a bonded warehouse by Gilbey's Gin. Then in 1964 playwright Arnold Wesker established Centre 42 at the Roundhouse, named after the trade union movement Article 42 stating that arts should be for everyone. This provided the stage for a legendary, cutting edge performing arts venue. Some of the most memorable theatrical performances in the '60s and '70s were staged here. Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Peter Brook and The Living Theatre of New York all performed at the Roundhouse during this period. 

The recent past

Centre 42 closed in 1983 due to lack of funds and until the mid 1990s a number of proposals to revitalise the building failed. In 1996 The Norman Trust, led by Torquil Norman, a local businessman, bought the Roundhouse and set up the Roundhouse Trust to bring this glorious building back to life and to build a brand new creative centre for young people, the Roundhouse Studios.

De La Guarda, Stomp, the Michael Clark Dance Company, Ballet Boyz, Michael Moore, and the RSC all performed at the Roundhouse during this period. In 2004 the Roundhouse closed for a £29.7m redevelopment.

To see a list of the funders who made this project possible please visit Roundhouse Supporters.

Roundhouse redevelopment

John McAslan and Partners were the architects responsible for the redevelopment of this Grade II* listed building. The job was three fold:

  • Bringing back to life its legendary performing space and equipping this extremely adaptable space with advanced technology such as flexible seating, lighting and sound. Part of this complex job involved the addition of seven layers to the roof to soundproof it.
  • Building a state of the art creative centre, the Roundhouse Studios, for young people aged 13-25 years.
  • Restoring original features of the building.

Care was taken to create a harmonious relationship between the new and old. As part of the restoration, the Roundhouse's circular glazed roof-lights have been be re-instated, allowing the public to see interior daylight for the first time in over 100 years. The New Wing built alongside the main building houses the box office, bar and café, foyer and offices.