Client
Newtownstewart Mc Kinney were contracted by Willmott Dixon to carry out the regeneration of the East Wing of the Peoples Palace and breathe life into a much-loved cultural icon. The Victorian Theatre has been brought back into use as a performance and events venue, integrating new technical infrastructure while retaining the character of this historic space. As well as the temporary works installation, engineering, mass foundations, all concrete works including the R.C Concrete floor slab and mezzanine Deck R C Slab. The fit-out scope included refurbishing and upgrading key areas to enhance both functionality and audience experience. This includes installing new seating, updating flooring, stage lighting, and sound systems, as well as improving backstage facilities such as dressing rooms and storage areas. Enhancements to the lobby, ticketing area, upgrading of wheelchair access and new restrooms, while upgrading safety features like fire alarms and emergency exits.
This involved a lot of coordination as the remainder of the building was live. The goal to preserve the theatre’s character while modernising it for optimal performance and comfort. We use the term “arrested decay” to describe this approach of consolidation rather than restoration. In treating rooms as found spaces, the processes of deterioration have been addressed, elements that were unsafe or could not be viably repaired have been removed, added elements are legibly modern.
