Cambridge Arts Theatre
Restructuring of foyer spaces for city centre arts theatre
Client: Cambridge Arts Theatre
Listed Grade II
Status: Complete
Burrell Foley Fischer prepared redevelopment plans for the Cambridge Arts Theatre. The new build project, which Cambridge Arts termed “Act 2”, was their vision to secure the theatre’s future through the creation of a new foyer and new performance spaces. Building on both John Maynard Keynes’s founding vision and the legacy of their early nineties refurbishment, their intention was to ensure the sustainability of this wonderful theatrical institution for the long-term benefit of the Cambridge community.
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The front-of-house area was previously very small, with little street presence, which restricted the facilities they were able to offer their patrons. Following the completion of Phase I, supported with Arts Council England funding, patrons entering the theatre from St. Edward’s Passage are greeted with a large, bright foyer.
There is extended bar space with new seating areas, making it easier to buy refreshments before shows and during intermission. At the same time, the current Peas Hill entrance and foyer has been comprehensively refurbished.
The redevelopment plans were scheduled to minimise the disruption to the theatre’s regular programme of performances. Whilst the construction works lasted for 21 weeks, there was a break in performances for only ten weeks over the summer with the box office remaining open as usual throughout.
BFF also produced concept designs for a 200 studio theatre, to replace the former restaurant on the roof over the main auditorium.
“The main reason we selected BFF was their unusual combination of innovative architectural designs and deep knowledge of the performing arts.
The designs they produced showed a profound understanding of the spaces we have available and created open, light filled and elegant facilities, which have been very well received by our patrons.”
— Dave Murphy, Chief Executive, Cambridge Arts Theatre
Awards
2014 Cambridge Design and Construction Awards: Commendation, Sustainability Category