Cambridge Arts Theatre
Cambridge Arts Theatre
As heritage consultants we supported the £14m project for the refurbishment of an existing Grade II listed 600-seat auditorium and the construction of a new 200-seat studio theatre in the historic centre of Cambridge.
Designed by Ian Chalk Architects for Cambridge Arts Theatre, the ambition for the main auditorium was focused around enhancing the innate character of the space. Informed by archival research of the original design, the proposal will reinstate some of its lost qualities, whilst providing a new curved balcony circle and upgrading the theatrical services of the theatre. Additionally, new seating layouts, regraded floors and balcony front will improve sightlines for the audience and a widened proscenium will allow a greater variety of performances. The new 200 seat studio theatre space will replace the unused restaurant and provide the Theatre with the ability to increase their repertoire of incoming shows, whilst also expand on the opportunity for a variety of different endeavours, including in-house productions, collaborations with educational faculties and a more diverse range of shows. Built from a hybrid of cross-laminated timber, steel and brickwork, the design takes inspiration from the civic scale of 1930s modernist theatres, with a windowless facade is broken up with a variety of brickwork detailing, creating articulation and shadow. At roof level, in response to Cambridge’s turrets and spires, new brickwork chimney figures serve as natural ventilation stacks over the stage. The proposals were granted planning permission in 2023.
Client: Cambridge Arts Trust
Architect: Ian Chalk Architects
Images: Courtesy of the architect