Construction firm hired to restore iconic independent cinema
Triton Construction has been appointed as main contractor to preserve and redevelop the Grade II listed Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds.
The £2.8m contract follows news that the venue has secured a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant with match funding from Leeds City Council to secure its future.
Hyde Park Picture house opened at the beginning of the First World War in November 1914. It was popular for screening patriotic dramas and newsreels to boost morale during the War.
The Picture House survived the advent of sound in the movies and remains a distinctive independent cinema.
The major revamp is to include conservation works to the external façade, expansion of the foyer and the creation of a second cinema room in the basement, underneath the main auditorium.
Whilst modern facilities will be installed, much of the heritage features will be retained and restored, including the gas lamps thought to be the only lights still in operation in a cinema anywhere in the world.
Triton Construction was appointed for the job due to its extensive expertise in listed building restoration.
Ian Chapman, construction director, said: “As a local contractor we are delighted to be appointed to restore this cultural gem that we are fondly familiar with and to play our part in securing its future.
“The project is not without its challenges due to its listed nature, but also because of the very tight site restrictions within a dense populated area.
“To allow a two-metre dig underneath the building for the second auditorium we will need to install a piled wall around the footprint of the site.
“Considerable provisions and ongoing public consultation are also critical for delivering the works in a live environment.”
Wendy Cook, head of cinema for The Hyde Park Picture House, said: “From the very start, The Picture House Project has been a labour of love for all involved.
“And with the appointment of Triton as the project’s main contractor, we’re confident that we’ve found a partner who not only shares in our passion but has the vital heritage experience required to realise our exciting plans to the highest possible standard.”
Triton will start on site next month and expects to complete the restoration within 57 weeks.
The professional team includes Page\Park Architects, project manager Avison Young, engineering consultancy Buro Happold and cost consultants Gardiner Theobold.
