The new Sadler's Wells is designed to attract international dance companies, create an arts training centre and provide community and education facilities.

It features a 1,560 seat auditorium with a 15m by 15m stage and 80 seat orchestra pit. The auditorium is lined with metal gauze panels that take dramatically transforming light and image projection, uniting audience and performers. There are three foyer galleries with bars, plus rehearsal and teaching spaces.

Built on a site with a long history of theatre buildings, the new one fronts the main thoroughfare, as its predecessor did. Behind is the refurbished Lilian Bayliss Theatre, now the focus for the new Community & Education Centre.