In a positive step forward for London nightlife and following years of negotiations, essential clubbing institution E1 has revealed a successful collaboration with Tower Hamlets Council and Big Yellow Self Storage regarding the latter’s forthcoming development in Wapping.

The development proposal, designed by architecture firm MountfordPigott, seeks to redevelop the land at 60-70 & 100 The Highway and 110 Pennington Street, Wapping with a Big Yellow Storage facility, residential flats, office space, business and commercial units, and — most significantly — a brand new flexible nighttime venue and home for E1.

The project plans have been approved, which will see the current space demolished and a new multi-million development built to house the all-new nightclub. This is a significant win for nightlife in London which so often comes second to residential developments, with over 100 independent UK clubs reported to have closed in the last year.

The future of E1 is now in good hands with the new bespoke purpose-built venue set to be started once the initial development is completed, with construction set to begin in around five years’ time. As is the case with the current E1, the new space will boast carefully curated line-ups, cutting edge sound and awe-inspiring visuals in a space that is welcoming and safe for all, as well as a 24-hour license on Fridays and Saturdays, with a 6AM – 3AM license Sunday to Thursday.

A long-esteemed and steadfast landmark of London’s clubbing and cultural landscape, E1 is here to stay.

Yuval Hen, Owner & Founder E1 says: “For several years, we have been working tirelessly behind the scenes in collaboration with Tower Hamlets and Big Yellow Storage to ensure and safeguard the future of E1. We are now happy to confirm that the development plans include a brand new bespoke purpose-built venue, taking into account sound mitigation, that will become our new home once the initial development is complete, with construction not due to begin for approximately 5 years. We are also glad to confirm that throughout planning, development, and construction, E1 in its current form will remain open as it is now – committed to on point curation, cutting edge sound, awe-inspiring visuals, and above all a safe and welcoming space for all.”

London Night Czar, Amy Lamé says: “I’m delighted City Hall has been able to work with E1 to help secure the future of a venue that has been at the forefront of London’s dance music scene. This is yet another example of how the Mayor’s Agent of Change principle is helping developers and venues to work together and plan nightlife into new developments. Our night clubs are a core part of our capital’s cultural ecosystem, providing a platform for both established and up-and-coming artists, as well as spaces for our diverse communities to freely express themselves. By working in partnership, we are building a better London for everyone – a fairer, safer, more prosperous city for all.”

Michael Kill, CEO NTIA says: “Fantastic news to hear that the future of E1 is safe, such an important venue for London. Important to recognise the roles of Tower Hamlets and Yellow Storage and the team at E1 for brokering this unique agreement. It’s vital that this agreement is taken forward as an example of true partnership working across the UK. This has the hallmark of a strategy for culture and residents across major cities to coexist and thrive, as we have seen in major European cities for many years.”

Anna Ryten, partner at architects MountfordPigott says: “If we are going to have vibrant, compact cities we need to look at how we integrate dwellings with workplaces and leisure space. The night time economy is a very important part of this equation so it was imperative to keep a key venue such as E1 in situ as part of any broader redevelopment scheme for the site. Our client embraced this concept from the outset and embedded it within our brief. We have been working closely with our client, E1, stakeholders and specialist consultants since 2020 to prepare a design that allows the co-location of the club with new commercial development, new homes and a new self-storage facility while addressing the technical requirements for each use. We are delighted that the planning inspector agreed and approved the scheme.

The design takes advantage of the topography of the site to separate the new night time venue from buildings above which can be accessed from a different street on a different level. A design which enabled a phased approach to the development was also a key part of the brief and this will ensure that the existing E1 venue can remain in use during construction. Details of the interior for the new club haven’t been finalised yet but we’ve made sure to reserve space for the important features of the existing venue as well as items on E1’s wish list and we look forward to working with the team to deliver an amazing new home for E1 in the next few years.”