Our Key Goals

Protecting, conserving and restoring the built frabric of this Grade II* listed building and immediate streetscape

Radically improving access and circulation to help overcome barriers to attendance and participation
 

Realising the full potential of the music hall as a learning resource and creating and delivering an ambitious audience development programme around the rich and varied history and heritage of the building.

 

What We Hope to Achieve

The restoration of the auditorium will see the space returned to its character and appearance around the late 1890’s when most of the major changes to the original building had been undertaken.

Work will include the restoration of the historic ceiling and plasterwork, re-introduction of glazing, replacement of wall and floor finishes as well as house lighting, sound and ventilation systems, new seats and other soft furnishings.

Historic parts of the front of house areas such as the main staircase will be restored whilst other spaces, for example existing offices and WCs, will be altered more radically to help overcome current operational issues.

As part of the remodelling the WC facilities for the public will be greatly improved including the provision of disabled persons’ toilets. Circulation in the front of house areas will be significantly improved by creating an enlarged foyer space, new box office, and a landmark glazed public lift which will provide a striking, new design feature to Swan Street. The dressing room block will be completely re-built internally to provide new facilities for performers, staff and as a resource for learning.



Improvements to Access
 

The addition of the new public lift, serving all levels of the auditorium, will greatly improve accessibility within the building, particularly for wheelchair users and customers with mobility concerns.

A wire induction multi-loop system will be installed in the auditorium to provide appropriate facilities for the deaf and hard of hearing. Smaller localised induction loops will also be available in the bar and box office areas.

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