Landmark cultural project takes major step forward

PLANS for the multi-million pound refurbishment of the West Yorkshire Playhouse have taken a major step forward after architects were appointed to develop the design proposals for the scheme.

Leeds City Council has appointed Page Park Architects to lead on the design for the development of the Leeds theatre.

The architect’s appointment follows the council’s successful initial application to Arts Council England (ACE) and an invitation to now make a further application for a grant of £6.6m towards the cost of the project.

If the stage two application is successful, it is hoped that construction work will begin on site in the second half of 2017, with completion in late 2018.

The project is expected to see the council commit £4.9m towards the cost of the refurbishment.

Glasgow-based Page Park Architects will develop the design proposals for the theatre’s transformation, which will deliver improved access to the theatre, upgrading of backstage and infrastructural equipment, a new city-facing entrance and the addition of a studio theatre space.

The architects have previously designed improvements for The Centre for Contemporary Arts and the Theatre Royal in Glasgow and Eden Court Theatre in Inverness.

Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said: “It’s exciting to see this landmark project, which will transform one of the city’s key cultural institutions, taking such an important step forward.

“Appointing an experienced architect is a crucial element of improving and securing the Playhouse and, working alongside the team at the theatre, we’re confident our vision for the regeneration of this much-loved part of Leeds can now begin to take shape.

“As we also look ahead to our bid to be named European Capital of Culture 2023, we also know the Playhouse will be absolutely integral to our future ambitions to provide a truly world class cultural offering.”

West Yorkshire Playhouse’s executive director Robin Hawkes added:
“We’re absolutely thrilled about Page Park’s appointment. It’s tremendously exciting to be working with a practice with such a wealth of theatre and cultural organisation experience.

“We were hugely impressed both by their conceptual ideas for the future of the Playhouse building and by how clearly they understood our vision and values, as a vital theatre rooted in our communities and a great artistic beacon for the north.
“We can’t wait to get started with them on shaping this next chapter in the Playhouse’s history.”