Sophia Webster joins creative community's shift eastwards as it relocates HQ to Stratford

Sophia Webster, the British luxury footwear brand, is to move its HQ from Shoreditch to sit amid the "burgeoning creative community" at Stratford's Sugar House Island.

The brand, established by the designer of the same name in 2012, is to move into a 2,000 sq ft premises in The Sugar House, having signed a deal with developer Vastint UK. The Sugar House is a former nineteenth century sugar refinery warehouse, which gave the Island its name.

Sophia Webster will occupy the gold-clad, canal-side extension of the building, which was designed by Waugh Thistleton. The Sugar House is part of Dane’s Yard, the Island’s canal-side “creative quarter”, which is now 90% let.   

Speaking of the decision to relocate, founder of the brand Sophia Webster said: “We chose to move our headquarters from Shoreditch to Sugar House Island as we have been immensely impressed by the area’s burgeoning creative community, and the social offer available on the doorstep for our team.”  

The footwear brand is the latest in a string of creative businesses to move to the area including publisher Phaidon, which moved to Sugar House Island from Kings Cross, sustainable urban gin distillery and bar Jim & Tonic, and London’s first rum distillery The Rum House.

Michael Cronin, Head of Portfolio at Vastint UK, said: “The relocation of Sophia Webster’s headquarters to Sugar House Island is emblematic of how creative talent in the capital is shifting eastwards.

“Our own UK headquarters is located on the Island, so we know first-hand the benefits of the area’s excellent connectivity and its proximity to world-class educational institutions for attracting and retaining talent, as well as the quality of the office space. Being on site week-round means we can remain close to the needs of our community, something we know offers a rare opportunity for businesses like Sophia Webster. We’re delighted to welcome the team to the Island and to integrate them into the community of creative businesses already here.”  

One of London’s most significant brownfield regenerations, Sugar House Island is a 26-acre mixed-use neighbourhood located just one stop from Stratford station, the sixth busiest railway station in the UK, served by the London Underground including the Elizabeth line, Central line, London Overground, and National Rail. City Airport is reachable within 30 minutes, connecting businesses to major cities across Europe. 

The Sophia Webster deal follows the recent practical completion of the next phase of development, Chimney Walk, which has delivered a further 220,000 sq ft of commercial office and education space alongside 23,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space for independent brands. Chimney Walk has also delivered significant new pedestrianised public realm, that will act as a stage for the growth of the Island’s already popular events programme. 

Last year London College of Fashion moved into a new campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. The college previously had six sites across London and the move, made last autumn, means all courses can be taught under the same roof for the first time. Other creative institutions in the area include Sadler's Wells, the V&A East Museum and the BBC Music Studios.