Celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2012, the Theatre Royal Newcastle undertook a project to refurbish and restore the Frank Matcham-designed, Grade 1 listed building.

Max Fordham worked on the mechanical and electrical services in the auditorium, resulting in a historically accurate replication but with environmental conditions and equipment levels suitable for the 21st Century.

The existing house lighting was replaced with low-energy, bespoke ornate brasswork luminaires and external lighting. The reconfiguration of the ventilation system now allows the auditorium to maintain the desired set-point temperature.

The project was the winner of the RIBA Regional Award 2012 and RICS Conservation Award 2012.