A new “major cultural and community space” for east London.

The owners of London venue Village Underground have announced plans to reopen Hackney Arts Centre, an 81-year-old venue located on Stoke Newington Road.

According to RA, Village Underground plans to turn the 1936 art deco building into a “multipurpose arts space” that will offer everything from music, theatre and performance art to lectures and talks.

“We unearthed a hidden treasure — a dilapidated art deco theatre, locked behind rusted-shut doors for 30 years,” Village Underground told RA, adding that they have been working on the project for over a year.

The team behind Village Underground also plan to restore the venue back to its former purpose as “a major cultural and community space for Hackney and for London,” while also restoring its original exterior.

Village Underground is due to submit its proposal to Hackney Council in the next few weeks. Members of the public who wish to support the reopening can find out how to do so via the Village Underground site. All letters of support need to reach Hackney Council by 4pm tomorrow (April 14).