One of London’s historic live entertainment venues, Koko, will relaunch in spring next year after a £70m ($96.7m/€83m) renovation.
Koko will return after three years of restoration, with challenges that included a fire, water damage and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The live music venue will span 50,000 square feet and will offer high-spec streaming capabilities throughout its setup.
Koko has been transformed into an immersive space, with a four-storey extension and high-spec broadcasting equipment allowing artists to also record or livestream their performances. Originally, Koko was a theatre that opened in 1900 before being transformed into a broadcasting centre and housed productions such as Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
It has also welcomed acts such as Madonna, who made her UK debut at the venue. The iconic Charlie Chaplin has also graced the stage, while some of the world’s current superstars such as Kanye West, Stormzy and Coldplay have also played here.
Koko founder and chief executive Olly Bengough’s new project is being launched in partnership with SISTER, which is a global content company that has previously worked on the Chernobyl series.
Brengough said: “After three long and epic years of construction and restoration, I’m excited to announce that we will be returning Koko to the musicians, artists and fans next spring with a beautiful restored theatre and live music offering that will hopefully be a truly unique and unparalleled experience for everyone coming through the doors.
“We are as committed as ever to protect our 120-year cultural legacy and to support the next generation of musicians and London’s dynamic and ever-growing music scene. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Koko in spring 2022.”
Koko encompasses three historic buildings including the original Grade II listed Victorian theatre and two adjacent buildings – a former piano factory from the 1800s and the old Hope & Anchor pub, also from the 1800s.
As well as live performances, the newly relaunched venue will enable artists to co-produce, distribute and stream their music through Koko Studio. The soon to be launched radio station will also aim to promote new and emerging artists, an ambition that is reflected in its new foundation.
The foundation will also focus on projects in its local community of Camden.
Image: Philafrenzy/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
Share this