CRGP

Gaiety Theatre, Ayr

18 December 2008

CRGP were commissioned by South Ayrshire Council to prepare proposals for the repair and refurbishment of the Gaiety Theatre, Ayr.

The scope of works included external fabric repair and enhancements, mechanical and electrical services upgrades, upgrade of stage and back of house facilities and front of house upgrading and improvements.

Health and safety and disability discrimination legislation had developed since the Theatre's last refurbishment.  An important aspect of the design development considerations were to ensure compliance with the intent of these regulations.

CRGP provided Project Management, Architectural, Building Surveying and Quantity Surveying Services.  Other team members comprised Pick Everard for engineering services and Carr and Angier as Theatre Consultants.  The CDM Co-ordinator role was provided by CDM (Scotland) Ltd.

The Theatre is one of the last 3 remaining Gaiety Theatres in the UK.  The theatre was constructed in 1902, re-modelled in 1935, reconstructed in 1955 following a fire, when the capacity was reduced to 570, and in 1995 an annex was added to provide much needed additional front of house and backstage facilities.

The florid Rococo interior of the intimate theatre auditorium is grade B listed by Historic Scotland.

Retaining the special ambiance of the front of house facilities and auditorium were a major consideration of the study and required extensive consultation with the local Planning and Building Control Departments, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and the Theatre Trust.

An innovative approach was required to enable the stage house facilities and operational requirements to be upgraded to current standards given the limiting nature of the town centre location of the Theatre.

At present South Ayrshire Council are considering the CRGP proposals package and the £4M estimated works cost.  A decision on how the Gaiety Theatre will be adapted for future theatre goers is expected soon.

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