Plans to build a new eco theatre in Stratford’s cultural quarter were unveiled by Theatre Royal Stratford East this morning.

Designed by award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins, the striking red 220-seat venue will be a sister venue to National Theatre’s temporary theatre and enable Theatre Royal Stratford East to almost double its number of performances.

A £4.5m capital funding campaign was launched yesterday and a public consultation will take place in the coming months, with a view to opening the venue next year and remaining in place for a decade.

It is hoped that the new theatre, dubbed The Red Crate, will enhance Stratford’s cultural offering and create a vibrant destination for the local community and visitors, as well as boosting the area’s nighttime economy.

The new venue would be built opposite the existing theatre, with a new cafe and bar also on the way as part of the ambitious proposals.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has described the project as “groundbreaking”, and said it would “add to the burgeoning cultural quarter that is developing in east London as a legacy of the 2012 Games”.

Kerry Michael, artistic director at Theatre Royal Stratford East, said: “It is clear there is a huge enthusiasm and demand for our new work which speaks to our audiences.

“With The Red Crate we hope to feed this desire from our local community and arts goers from across the capital.”

Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England, added: “The Red Crate will build on Stratford’s position as a creative hub in East London, ensuring local communities are able to access more great things on their doorstep.”

Theatre Royal Stratford East and the National Theatre first partnered up earlier this year to provide free performances of the The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time for Newham students and residents in association with Newham council.

n For more information, visit theredcrate.com

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