Contractor named for £15m Playhouse scheme

BAM has been appointed by Leeds City Council to deliver the £15m redevelopment of Leeds Playhouse.

BAM’s North East construction team has been developing the design from Glasgow-based architect Page/Park for the scheme.

The two theatres forming the Playhouse opened originally in 1990 and at the time they were the largest purpose-built new theatres since the National Theatre in 1976.

However, the building has poor disabled access and requires new entrances and more open spaces.

The scheme is part of a wider transformation of the local Quarry Hill area as a cultural quarter.

Jason Pink, BAM’s construction director, said: “We’re creating a new theatre in the undercroft and we’ll be conducting enhancement and access works around the other two existing theatres.

“It’s a complex refurb with numerous small spaces that feel like a rabbit warren. Our team has experience of similar restoration schemes that we completed in Leeds and Harrogate.

“We have been conducting early works already and are delighted to mark the commencement of main works today with this ground breaking ceremony.”

BAM has a track record on leisure schemes in Yorkshire.

It carried out major schemes at Leeds First Direct Arena and the Cargenie Pavilion at Headingley, and was behind the restorations of City Varieties Musical Hall, the Royal Hall in Harrogate, and Sheffield City Hall.

It also created the Melrose Stand at York Racecourse.