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Dateline: 21st May, 2008
Redesigning the Arts Sheppard Robson architects on behalf of Consolidated Developments Ltd has submitted a planning application for a unique building in London's Theatreland. The concept will transform the Arts Theatre in Great Newport Street and is set to revolutionise the theatre experience. The design also incorporates a boutique hotel and high quality restaurant. The designs for the new theatre, hotel and restaurant are based on and extend the original concept for the Arts Theatre, which was designed in 1927 as a club for anyone interested in theatre. The design is centred around a new theatre space, which utilises an innovative hydraulic seating system that can be inverted to provide a completely flat floored auditorium. A removable rear wall provides the flexibility for the auditorium to extend into the rear bar, thereby accommodating an audience of up to 361 or alternatively up to 500 standing. Tim Evans, creative director, Sheppard Robson, says that the existing theatre has been closely studied to inform the new designs. "It is not the 'Arts' with all its faded glory but rather a modern interpretation of the Arts theatre concept. We have, as closely as possible, followed the proportions of the existing Arts Theatre in order to retain, and improve the intimacy of relationships between stage, stalls, balcony and slips. The back-of-house facilities have generally increased in size and quality." The theatre has two large dedicated bars. Throughout the hotel and restaurant there will be three further bars which have all been designed as potential 'performance' areas. The ability to turn around two or three performances per evening in the main auditorium and the utilisation of these additional spaces will ensure the project's viability and create a building which embraces theatrical ideals throughout its entirety. It is hoped that the building will become a focus for the theatre industry, a place where professionals and public interested in theatre can come, where industry events can be hosted and a broad range of performances can be staged The creation of a 62 bedroom boutique hotel and a high quality 160 cover restaurant will differentiate the overall theatre experience. The restaurant will prioritise the theatre goer, providing pre and post theatre dining opportunities. The glazed kitchens are designed to allow diners to witness the 'performance' of food preparation as theatrical spectacle. Laurence Kirschel, director of Consolidated Developments Ltd, says "The big problem with theatres is that they spend more time closed than open, they take up large areas in high value locations and the result is that they are not financially viable. The last two companies that ran at the Arts both went into receivership. We have worked closely with English Heritage and continue to work with the Theatres Trust to ensure we are providing an appropriate and viable design."
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