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.
Opera North, Leeds
Redevelopment of Opera North's existing facilities to provide modern spaces for the leading arts organisation.
Arts & Culture - The North, England
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Project Overview
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 Challenge
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.
Our Solution
Design calculations were undertaken to assess the existing strength of the cast iron beams and the necessary strengthening plates required.
Key Points
Grade II listed building
Winner of the Leeds Architectural Award 2023 for Adapted Buildings
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