A deserted coach park in East London, left unused since the 2012 Olympics, is set for a major transformation into a vibrant cultural neighbourhood. The site, known as Stratford Junction, will feature over 20,000 square metres of green spaces, a piazza, outdoor exhibitions, art trails, and more than 100 art installations. Two performance venues with capacities ranging from 1,200 to 4,300 will host shows, while numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants will cater to visitors.
Plans for a 365-Day Events Programme
The development, proposed by Hallmark Property Group, aims to operate a packed schedule of events and festivals year-round. According to projections, the site is expected to generate around £190 million in visitor spending and create approximately 1,500 jobs. The plans also include 2,100 flats and 1,600 hotel rooms, housed within three skyscrapers reaching up to 47 storeys tall.
Context and Community Response
The redevelopment comes after local opposition thwarted a previous proposal for a Las Vegas-style Sphere in Stratford. In 2023, Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected the Sphere plan, citing 'an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.' The current project has been met with cautious optimism, as it promises to revitalise a site that has sat derelict for over a decade.
Temporary Market and Public Engagement
Hallmark Property Group purchased the site in 2025 for approximately £30 million. While permanent plans are being finalised, the group has proposed a temporary food-led market using shipping containers, repurposed buses, and train carriages for a three-year period. Public exhibitions of the plans are being held at The Source, Theatre Square, to gather community feedback before seeking approval.
Integration with East Bank Cultural Quarter
The Stratford Junction development complements the £1.1 billion East Bank cultural quarter, which includes the V&A East museum and Sadler's Wells East theatre. V&A East features a permanent gallery called 'Why We Make,' showcasing over 500 objects across art, architecture, design, performance, and fashion. The V&A East Storehouse in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park holds more than 600,000 items from the V&A archives, demonstrating museum cataloguing practices. Sadler's Wells East offers contemporary dance performances from global troupes.
