Sophia Webster steps into Stratford with new headquarters at Sugar House Island
In a significant move for the luxury footwear scene, British designer brand Sophia Webster has announced its headquarters will now call Sugar House Island in Stratford, London, home.
This relocation sees the brand taking over 2,133 square feet of space within The Sugar House, a historically rich former sugar refinery warehouse. Now a beacon of modernity, this gold-clad, canal-side building is part of Dane’s Yard, Sugar House Island’s vibrant creative quarter, which boasts a 90% occupancy rate.
Sophia Webster, renowned for its exquisite shoes and accessories, aligns itself with a growing community of innovative businesses, including the esteemed publisher Phaidon and the eco-conscious distiller Jim & Tonic, in choosing Sugar House Island as its base. This move from Shoreditch to Stratford was driven by the area’s dynamic creative community and the appealing social scene it offers to the Sophia Webster team.
Sophia Webster’s eponymous founder 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.”
Launched in 2012, Sophia Webster has carved a niche for itself in the luxury e-commerce space, with a widespread distribution network across global retailers. Sugar House Island stands out as one of London’s key brownfield regenerations, offering a mixed-use neighbourhood just a short journey from Stratford station, the UK’s sixth busiest railway hub. The locale’s superior connectivity, including easy access to City Airport, positions it as a prime spot for businesses looking to tap into London’s thriving creative and commercial sectors.
Michael Cronin, Head of Portfolio at Vastint UK commented: “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.”
The announcement coincides with the completion of Chimney Walk, the latest development phase on the Island, introducing 220,000 square feet of new commercial office and educational space, alongside retail and leisure venues designed for independent brands. This development enhances the Island’s public realm and supports the expansion of its events programme, fostering a vibrant community for the approximately 700 residents and the broader 59,000-strong population within a 20-minute radius.
Sophia Webster’s move to Sugar House Island not only marks a new chapter for the brand but also signifies the area’s growing appeal as a hub for creative and sustainable businesses.
