WINNER
Printworks London
One of the capital’s most exciting new event venues, Printworks got off to a flying start when it hosted its first event for fashion brand Mulberry during London Fashion Week in September 2016 – before it even officially opened its doors.
The former factory's warehouses and magnificent Press Halls have been revived as ground-breaking, multipurpose event spaces. Since its launch in January 2017, more than 100,000 guests have crossed the threshold of this architecturally unique venue. Spread over five-acres of private, gated land, with six event spaces arranged over multiple levels, Printworks is the ultimate blank canvas for conferences, exhibitions, experiential events, concerts and product launches.
Broad ambition
Highlights this year include 15 ticketed music events; live concerts, including Gorillaz' world-premiere album launch; the world's first drive-through immersive experience for Toyota; and repeat brand activations for Adidas. In August, London Contemporary Orchestra presented an exclusive audiovisual experience including four orchestras playing simultaneously with electronic sampling.
The venue aims to be a new destination for events, culture and the arts in Canada Water, and has developed a diverse programme of ticketed events including Afropunk Fest, Beavertown Brewery's Extravaganza beer festival, and the UK's first Vinyl Festival, with free tickets available for local residents.
Printworks is also home to a community space: Global Generation supports young people to make a difference by encouraging the co-creation of public spaces where people of all ages and circumstances work together to grow community and sustainability. It launched Printworks Paper Garden in the spring, and is running design, gardening and storytelling workshops with local schools and community groups.
Highly Commended: etc.venues County Hall
At the start of 2017, etc.venues took up residence in one of London South Bank’s best-known buildings with the opening of etc.venues County Hall. Prior to opening, etc.venues developed a virtual library, including a video flythrough, 3D floorplans and a VR walkthrough, to showcase the venue’s distinctive design and layout to prospective clients and attract business.
This strategy helped the venue attract £3m in business on the books pre-opening, and £5.5m in new enquiries in the first two months post-opening. etc.venues County Hall, which overlooks The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, has hosted events including PR 360 for Haymarket Media Group this year.
