Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre
Bristol Old Vic
The Grade I-listed Bristol Old Vic is Britain’s longest continuously-operating theatre. The Anniversary Works provides a radical transformation of the foyers and front of house areas, also upgrading the studio theatre facilities.
Key information
Architect
Haworth Tompkins
Client
Bristol Old Vic
Value
£8.5M
Year of Completion
2018
Sector
Services
Challenge
The original 1766 Cooper’s Hall building is re-emphasised by replacing the adjacent 1970’s addition with a much more transparent foyer infill. This provides views through to reveal the original main Theatre wall, unseen for decades.
The design improves the heating system efficiency, adding a contribution from air source heat pumps, and improving the insulation standards for the new build parts.
The project provides a new catering kitchen and new general and production lighting for the front of house. The studio is predominantly naturally ventilated with a pre-cooling labyrinth, and the systems all interface with the existing back-of-house and main Theatre installations.
The project started on site in 2016 – the 250th anniversary of the theatre – and was handed over at the end of 2018.
Our project team
Total of 5 people
Quote
"This conservation philosophy, of no reproduction of lost elements and selective revealing of what remains, though radical has been carried through sensitively and legibly."
Gallery
Total of 5 images
© Fred Haworth
© Fred Haworth
© PHILIPVILE
© PHILIPVILE
© Fred Haworth
Awards highlights
| 2019 | RIBA National Award | |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | RIBA South West Award |
Related projects
Total of 2 projects
