Inside the £750 million project turning an old Shakespearean theatre into a trendy housing development

As London gets more and more expensive, developers have started to look further afield than the traditionally highly desirable areas like the West End, and Mayfair, and into areas previously ignored by many people.

In recent years one of those areas, Shoreditch, has gone from being somewhere most people avoided, thanks to a reputation for crime and being generally run down, to one of the capital's coolest, most desirable areas. It is now home to some of the most exciting restaurants, bars and businesses in the capital.

Developers have started to take advantage of that changing reputation, and are building new sites at a rapid rate in the area.

One of those developments is the Stage, a massive project encompassing shops, bars, restaurants, and housing. It is being developed by Gaillard Homes, in conjunction with Cain Hoy, McCourt, and several other partners. Building will start in April, and according to the developers, will be finished by 2019.

Speaking about the development, Gaillard chief executive Stephen Conway said: "The Stage will provide a world class new destination for London. At its heart will be a new central square, one of the largest public open spaces to be created in the capital, bordered by historic and new buildings providing cafes, restaurants, shops, offices and new homes. For apartment purchasers it offers the best new address in London and an exceptional lifestyle choice and long term investment opportunity."

Business Insider got hold of some pictures from the developers, and you can check them out below.