Opera North is England’s national opera company in the North and one of Europe’s leading arts organisations.

The project involved the redevelopment of the existing facilities including regeneration of adjacent vacant retail units to allow expansion.

Significant internal structural alterations formed a new open plan main entrance, restaurant and kitchens, bar and performance area. The first floor and the second floor level Howard Assembly Hall were retained and remained operational during the works. A new dedicated
entrance and box office was created. A
restaurant and bar replaced a row of vacant shop units directly beneath the venue.

Infilling of an existing rear alleyway formed a new triple height atrium space with vertical circulation linking Opera North and the neighbouring Grand Theatre.

Redevelopment of the Premier House building provides an additional double height story to the roof, comprising a new orchestra rehearsal space and practice rooms.

Key points:
• Grade II listed building
• Design calculations were undertaken to assess the existing strength of the cast iron beams and the necessary strengthening plates required.

Image © Tom Arber