Redevelopment of Opera North's existing facilities to provide modern spaces for the leading arts organisation.
Arts & Culture - The North, England
Opera North is England’s largest opera company in the North and one of Europe’s leading arts organisations. The project involved the redevelopment of the existing facilities and included the 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 and a restaurant/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.
Additionally, the redevelopment of the Premier House building provides an additional double-height story to the roof, comprising a new orchestra rehearsal space and practice rooms.
Images copyright Tom Arber.
The existing structure was to be repurposed to provide modern spaces fit for Opera North, but at commencement of the project it was unclear on the suitablitily of existing structural features for the retrofit and extensions.
Design calculations were undertaken to assess the existing strength of the cast iron beams and the necessary strengthening plates required.
Grade II listed building
Winner of the Leeds Architectural Award 2023 for Adapted Buildings
We understand the importance of conserving and sensitively restoring heritage structures so their stories can continue. Our solutions are driven by our commitment to be sympathetic to the historically significant and Grade 1, 2* and 2 listed structures we design for, redevelop and regenerate.
We provided civil and structural engineering services for the redevelopment of Market Square, Castle Street and Green Market in the heart of Carlisle, aiming to transform the heart of the city into a greener and more vibrant place.
The first phase of Carlisle’s £100 million regeneration programme which sets the principles for the city-wide redevelopment works.
Curtins delivered civil engineering solutions for the refurbishment of West Norwood Cemetery, tackling drainage and subsidence issues threatening listed heritage structures.
The iconic 1930s Art Deco Littlewoods Building, once at risk of demolition, is being transformed into a world-class media hub through a partnership led by Capital & Centric, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and Liverpool City Council.
An £80m landmark offering Swansea an attractive retail and leisure development centre with a newly created public realm and dramatic pedestrian bridge.
11 & 12 Wellington Place is a 12-storey office building that forms part of the 140,000sqm mixed-use development in central Leeds.
Let’s talk about your next project and how our experienced team can help
Find your nearest Curtins office
Contact
