Cambridge Arts Theatre — Ian Chalk Architects

Existing Process Models Drawings Images Credits

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We won an invited design competition in 2021 to support Cambridge Arts Theatre Trust achieve a long-held vision to sensitively refurbish and upgrade their historic 666-seat auditorium, as well as create a second studio space to help diversify their offer.

The Grade II listed building is land-locked in a central heritage setting; the main auditorium much-loved for its unique proximity of audience and performers.

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We approached the project in two phases. Phase I, currently on site, is a carefully considered series of improvements to the historic theatre building.

An existing entrance on Peas Hill is sensitively reconfigured to relate to the heritage context of Georgian townhouses, offering a timber-framed shopfront to the theatre which comes alive during showtimes.

Within the historic auditorium, the introduction of a new curved balcony front, a widened proscenium and re-graded floors allow for a greater variety of performances to be mounted.

Modified stage and seating layouts are designed to improve sightlines and elevate audience/performer experience.

Cleverly integrated service upgrades ensure the theatre is at the forefront of technical provision, and acoustic improvements allow shows to run concurrently with the future studio space.

Front and back of house areas – including dressing rooms – are being renovated with materials and details drawn from the original building.

Phase II will deliver an innovative 200-seat studio, see Cambridge Arts Studio.

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Photo of three balustrade elements from the existing building

These sensitively planned works will preserve the innate character of Cambridge Arts Theatre whilst ensuring it remains technically, functionally and experientially amongst the finest theatres in the UK.

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Axonometric drawing showing project's various structural elements coming together

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“We are very grateful to Ian Chalk Architects for helping us come up with this visionary scheme for the future of Cambridge Arts Theatre.”

Dave Murphy,

CEO Cambridge Arts Theatre

Client

Cambridge Arts Theatre Trust

Location

Cambridge

Project Director

Harper Tackley

Project Manager

Savills

Planning Consultant

Turley

Lighting Consultant

Buro Happold

Services

Buro Happold

Structure

Buro Happold

Cost Consultant

Pulse

Sustainability

Sweco

Visuals & Photography

Pillar Visuals

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