Sinfonia Smith Square ‘Doors Open’ capital project reveals further details of their vision
For over 300 years, Smith Square Hall has stood in the heart of Westminster as a beacon of history and culture. And its story continues to evolve. Today, the Hall is a thriving concert and events venue, welcoming over 50,000 people through its doors each year. However, this remarkable building is now on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and is in urgent need of repair and renewal to protect its future.
“As Patron of Sinfonia Smith Square, I am delighted that this magnificent building, in the heart of London, will now be restored to celebrate its history and to safeguard its artistic future. The Hall holds a special place in our cultural heritage and I am certain that this project will ensure a suitable home for its talented and inspiring young orchestra, of whom we are all enormously proud.”
Her Majesty Queen Camilla
Sinfonia Smith Square is the coming together of two much-loved organisations: Southbank Sinfonia and St John’s Smith Square. At its heart is an ambitious Fellowship programme to develop the musical careers of some of the brightest emerging talent, and for its home to host exceptional performances by established world-class artists and immersive music experiences.
A beacon for the future of classical music, every year they welcome 34 talented musicians to form an orchestra. Through world-class collaborations, bold programming, and educational leadership projects, the programme intensifies their professional development and advances their musical careers. With over 650 alumni, their musicians go on to become leaders in the classical music world. Many continue to play a valued role in Sinfonia Smith Square, returning to coach the musicians and perform as paid extras.
‘Doors Open’ is an ambitious project to revitalise the Grade I listed building. It will safeguard the Hall’s future, realise a bold new artistic vision, and ensure that its doors can stay open for future generations to come, inviting new audiences, stories, and possibilities within its walls.
“Celebrated by The Times as ‘London’s finest concert hall’, we are proud to be the guardians of this magnificent building, and our Doors Open project marks the next chapter in its extraordinary journey.”
The Doors Open project has three objectives: to repair the building, transform it into a centre of artistic excellence and educational outreach, and secure a sustainable future. Following a development phase grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Burrell Foley Fischer were selected to work with the Foundation to develop designs for repairs and improvements to the building.
Key enhancements include:
A refreshed hall with new flexible staging, removable raked seating, and upgraded lighting, sound, heating, and ventilation systems.
A restored and redesigned crypt, including a new versatile learning studio to expand education programmes within the local community.
Improved accessibility for all, ensuring there are no physical barriers to entry
Repairs to the historic fabric of the building
Improved facilities for musicians and guest artists, including a new artists’ well-being hub.
Installing renewable energy technologies, including photovoltaic panels and an Air Source Heat Pump, and removing gas from the building. This will reduce carbon emissions by 50% from the 2025 baseline data.
With the newly refurbished venue, Sinfonia Smith Square will build on the artistic legacy of their magnificent home. A baroque masterpiece built in the 18th century, this project will see them reinvent it as an acoustic marvel for the 21st.
Smith Square Hall is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and requires repair and renewal. Stonework needs to be restored and repairs to the fabric of the building carried out, including the roof. Internally, there is a desire to make the building more comfortable for audiences and performers, including improved sightlines and accessibility throughout.
The improvements to the building have been carefully developed by Burrell Foley Fischer using our expertise in conservation and theatre design. The designs balance the requirements of the Grade I listed building with the creation of a space that delivers exceptional artistic experiences and meets the needs of 21st century audiences. Planning and listed building consent applications have been submitted to Westminster City Council.
Sinfonia Smith Square received a Development Phase grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help develop the plans. They are currently fundraising from a number of trusts and foundations and individuals who they hope will support the project. The current programme is working towards the building closing in summer 2027 and reopening in spring 2029.