Rejuvenation of Stratford Civic Hall and Theatre

The brief was to expand, rationalise and refurbish the existing theatre which included the Grade 2 listed, Civic Hall.

The existing building was a warren of corridors that had been adapted over the years, creating poor circulation, awkward connections and compromised public spaces.

By tracing the history of the site, we revealed a courtyard garden which had existed next to the listed building on the site of the current theatre. Our concept was to recreate the garden by means of a new green roof, linking the civic hall and theatre. The green roof would become a meeting point with the outdoor terrace being usable during the interval at the theatre. The space below the terrace is open plan to create a seamless foyer space with natural daylight flooding the entire area from frameless glazed roof funnels.

The floor plan of the building has been rationalised to enable the public to flow from the main entrance into the foyer, through to the auditorium. Additional dressing rooms, backstage and changing facilities are included within the design to enable the venue to attract a wider income base due to its improved and flexible facilities for professional and amateur theatre groups.

• Bar and exhibition space
• Meeting rooms
• Cedar over cladding to existing structure
• Refurbishment to Grade 2 listed building