A NEW BEAT IN EAST LONDON: CRITERION CAPITAL TO LAUNCH UK’S FIRST MUSIC BOOTH AT KINGSLAND SHOPPING CENTRE IN DALSTON
London – 13th May 2025 – Dalston’s creative spirit will soon be taking centre stage as Criterion Capital, in partnership with Music in Offices and legendary piano makers Blüthner, are set to unveil a brand-new Music Booth at Kingsland Shopping Centre next week. This innovative facility will offer musicians, podcasters, and creatives an affordable, professional space to practice, perform, and produce – right in the heart of Hackney.
This marks the very first Music Booth in the UK, joining existing locations in the UAE, Spain and other global cities. Creatives will be able to book the booth from 22nd May, giving them access to a state-of-the-art facility in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Situated on Kingsland High Street and just steps from the eclectic Ridley Road Market, Kingsland Shopping Centre is owned and operated by Criterion Capital. The centre features a diverse mix of popular retailers, including Costa, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, The Perfume Shop, and Holland & Barrett, alongside a variety of fashion, tech, and beauty brands. With convenient Click & Collect options, the centre already draws shoppers from across Hackney – and now, with the addition of the Music Booth, it’s tapping into the area’s deep-rooted creative energy too.
Inside the booth will be a premium Blüthner acoustic piano, generously donated by the historic German brand. Blüthner has been crafting world-class instruments for over 150 years – their pianos have been played by composers like Debussy and Liszt, as well as contemporary stars such as Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande. This partnership brings that same standard of excellence into the hands of emerging talent, hobbyists and professionals alike, all within a convenient public setting.
Dalston has long been home to a rich network of creative industries, cultural organisations, independent galleries and performance spaces. This Music Booth will enhance the area’s character, offering an affordable and accessible experience for all. Whether it’s a budding producer laying down a demo, a podcast host recording the next episode, or a pianist wanting a few uninterrupted hours, this booth provides the professional-grade acoustics and ease-of-access that so many creatives struggle to find.
It has been designed as a creative haven – soundproofed, secure, and easily bookable via a simple mobile app – with smart access and CCTV ensuring users have both flexibility and peace of mind. The Music Booth will initially be available on a six-month trial basis, with plans to extend the initiative if it strikes a chord with the community – something Criterion is confident it will.
This Music Booth is part of Criterion’s wider vision for Dalston, following the recent submission of detailed plans to redevelop the eastern flank of Kingsland Shopping Centre into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. The proposals include 257 new homes – 35% of which will be affordable – alongside flexible workspaces, community facilities, and high-quality public spaces. Criterion’s investment is designed to support Dalston’s growth while honouring its creative, community-led identity. This Music Booth offers a preview of how Criterion plans to embed culture, accessibility and opportunity into the heart of this regeneration.
Omar Aziz, Criterion Capital, commented: “We’re excited to be bringing the revolutionary Music Booth concept to London – the first of its kind in the UK. Dalston already has an incredible creative identity – this project supports and amplifies that. As long-term investors at Criterion Capital, we’re committed to nurturing sustainable growth and impact, and we’re proud to be offering something that gives back to the community and empowers local talent, especially as we look to transform the site into a thriving cultural destination. A huge thank you to all our partners whose support and collaboration has made this possible.”
Tessa Marchington, CEO of Music in Offices, former Blüthner Piano Artist, and resident of Dalston, added: “Bringing music into the fabric of every day life is a big part of our mission at Music in Offices and we’re excited to be able to offer this Music Booth through Blüthner for people to use in a buzzy, creative area of Hackney.”
ENDS
KEY CONTACT
Saskia Jiggens
Group Head of Communications and Engagement
saskia.jiggens@criterioncapital.co.uk
ABOUT CRITERION CAPITAL
Criterion Capital is a leading real estate owner and platform operator with $9bn+ AUM. Specialising in converting obsolete buildings into affordable residential apartments and lifestyle hotels, Criterion Capital focuses on long-term value creation through acquisition, development, operation and retention. Our hotel portfolio consists of 24 hotels with 8,500+ rooms across the UK, including our in-house hotel brand, Zedwell. Our residential portfolio comprises 5,500 apartments across the UK and Europe. Our commercial holdings total 50+ buildings in prime London locations, including our Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Knightsbridge Green Estates.
For more information, please visit www.criterioncapital.co.uk
