CORNER CORN E R E ME A
LONDON / UK
Cha m p io n i n g d i v e r s e c u i s ine s, live p er f or m a n c e , a n d i n d o o r fa rming , Br oa d wick a d d s a n o t h e r m u ltipurpose venue t o i t s g r o w i n g po r t f olio of com mu n i t y - e n h a n c i n g s pac e s.
Born from a regeneration initiative led by British Land and AustralianSuper, Corner Corner plays an important role in the ongoing evolution of London’s Canada Water district. Developed by Broadwick in collaboration with KERB, the space realises Broadwick Founder and Owner Simeon Aldred’s vision of an “experimental” and “hybrid” venue. With its expansive offerings, Corner Corner delivers a distinctive and dynamic entertainment experience. The building’s 55,000 sq ft houses multiple functions motivated by four words: Nature, Rhythm, Taste, and Culture. The influence of ‘Taste’ can be found in Corner Corner’s food hall and cafe, to which KERB brought its experience operating The Seven Dials Market to create a food hall line-up that showcases the diversity of London’s independent cuisine scene. ‘Rhythm’ is within the venue’s stage area, which promises to host both live jazz performances and rotating selectors. ‘Culture’ comes in part with what Aldred describes as “the engine room” of Corner Corner – its dry hire exhibition space. The owner continued: “As Canada Water is still a developing area, we didn’t want to just open a food hall, as we assumed this kind of standalone experience wouldn’t gain much traction. Instead, we allow around half of the building to be rented out for different long-term events; more people will be encouraged to visit the jazz bar, for example, if they’re already coming along to Corner Corner to see an exhibition.” ‘Nature’ inspired what is perhaps the most distinctive element of the venue: its indoor vertical farm. Developed by Harvest London, this is the city’s largest commercial farm. Proposing an alternative method for sustainable dining, most of the produce grown is used in the space’s cafe. Commenting on the venue’s advanced multifunctionality, Alex Sprogis, the project’s architect, said: “In general, we have a ‘no more labels’ approach to planning new spaces and purposefully avoid defining by typology, behaviour or event type. The dramatic juxtaposition of uses is Corner Corner’s charm.” The chosen functions of the venue fit nicely with Broadwick’s overall mission in producing Corner Corner. Aldred explained that what shaped the space was, uniquely, The Range. “There was a branch of British variety store and garden centre, The Range, in Canada Water that was owned by British Land and AustralianSuper. Though some people might turn their noses up at this, the shop was important to Canada Water’s community. The large store became a place where people would visit daily, just to pop in and get random bits and
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