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Press Release issued by Leeds City Council on behalf of Opera North,
Leeds Grand Theatre and Leeds City Council |
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Grand
Theatre multimillion Transformation takes a step closer to reality
Plans for a £31.5 million transformation and refurbishment of
the Leeds Grand Theatre and adjoining Assembly Room have been submitted
for consideration to the Leeds City Council Planning Department.
The planning and listed building consent application outlines the
much needed transformation project that will return the theatre to
its former glory and provide the state-of-the-art facilities demanded
by modern day audiences.
The application seeks consent to make a number of alterations to the
Grade 2* theatre building. These alterations will vastly improve the
theatre’s auditorium by restoring its hidden heritage and creating
a comfortable, accessible environment for audiences, including:
- Replaced and re-raked seating in the stalls to provide improved
views and extra leg room,
- An improved ventilation and air cooling system,
- Significantly enhanced acoustics by improving the balance
between the orchestra pit and stage,
- Improved access for people with disabilities.
Alterations will also be made to the structure of the building to
enhance the quality of performances and facilities within the theatre.
These include:
- A new fly tower to improve lighting and the use of scenery,
- A lorry lift on Harrison Street that can raise articulated
lorries to stage level, providing an easy way to get scenery and equipment
in and out of the theatre,
- Two bridge links from the theatre to the adjacent Premier
House building on Harrison Street, to provide access between the Grand
Theatre and Opera North,
- New rehearsal rooms with excellent acoustics and space to
experiment with creative techniques, as well as providing areas for
corporate entertainment and education workshops.
The adjoining Assembly Room will also be restored to its former splendour
providing space for rehearsals, educational projects, and a 350 seat
auditorium for community use and private hire. When complete the grand
entrance to the Assembly Room will be brought back into use and restored
along with the full architecture of the building.
The transformation of the Leeds Grand Theatre and Assembly Room is
being carried out in partnership by the Grand Theatre, Leeds City
Council and Opera North. When completed the project will ensure Opera
North, the national opera company for the North of England, is provided
with its first permanent home – an important cultural acquisition
for the city of Leeds.
Warren Smith, General Manager of Leeds Grand Theatre and a member
of the project board, said:
“This project will give us the opportunity to maintain our position
as the top lyric theatre of the region. It is the main performing
venue for Opera North but it also hosts many other visiting companies
of high stature. Over 240,000 people attend 300 performances a year
and we hope that this development will improve their theatre-going
experience.”
Richard Mantle, General Director of Opera North and a member of the
project board, added:
“This project will ensure that Opera North can look forward
to a permanent home and fulfil its artistic commitment.
“The company will also be able to host more exciting educational
and outreach schemes housed in the heart of the city and build on
its strong and loyal audience base. Opera North is dedicated to Leeds
and it is fitting that the city is the permanent home to the national
opera company of the North of England.”
The Grand Theatre, which originally opened in 1878, is well regarded
as a major milestone in Victorian theatre building. When this project
is complete the theatre will once more be a prime theatrical venue
in the north of England, attracting the very best dance, music, entertainment
and drama.
Work is due to begin on the Grand Theatre early 2005, subject to planning
approval.
Plans for the Grand Theatre transformation project are available for
viewing upon request at the Planning Enquiry Centre, Leonardo Building,
2 Rossington Street, Leeds.
For media enquiries please contact:
James Nicholls, Leeds City Council Press Office (0113) 395 1577
Email
Date of issue: 13 August 2004
Ends
Notes to editors:
The Grand Theatre transformation project is subject to securing funding
from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Arts Council for England
(ACE).
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