26 October 2007

Building work began on 17 September 2 for Phase 2 of the Transformation project. This is what has and will be done over the next few weeks: 

The Facade of the Leeds Grand Theatre

- Scaffolding now covers the whole facade of the theatre and Assembly Room.  The first job is to demolish the old projector room and fire escape, the eyesore high up on the roof.

- The old link bridge from the Leeds Grand Theatre to the Assembly Room has been removed.

Harrison Street

- The building contractor Laing O’Rourke has set up their site compound and the road is closed to all through traffic.

The Assembly Room

- The balcony has been partially demolished. All that remains is its steel frame which will be taken down at a later date.

- The two corner quadrants of the internal cinema shell have been taken down, as has the ceiling of the shell. All that remains of the cinema ceiling are the joists which will be removed at a later date.

- The full extent of the original barrel vaulted ceiling, which has been hidden for 80 years, is now visible.

- Small parts of the cinema shell have been stored for historical purposes.

- The crew room has been demolished.

- The wooden floor has been taken away

- New walls have already been erected for the new orchestra rooms, instrument storage rooms and offices at mezzanine level.

- The steel work to support the new Assembly Room floor above the mezzanine is being laid on these new walls.

The Assembly Room Lobbies

- The main staircase (but not original) has been demolished and a pit is being dug for the new lift.

- The escape staircase adjacent to the alleyway has been demolished. More tile work has been revealed  and will be preserved.

Click here to view images of the progress of the building works.