The Hackney Empire, designed by Frank Matcham in 1901, is one of the finest surviving Variety theatres ever built in Britain. Following an international competition, Tim Ronalds Architects undertook the restoration of this much loved theatre. The Grade II* listed 1400-seat auditorium was refurbished. A new stage and backstage building was constructed so that the Empire could become a viable touring theatre, and a landmark new front of house building was built on the corner site. Although completely modern, this is at home with the old; the giant terracotta letters of its façade proclaim the Empire and Town Hall Square as the heart of Hackney.