The Arts Theatre in Cambridge has undergone a ten-month refurbishment project which was funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and represents the most significant upgrade to the theatre in decades.
The project is the first step in a wider redevelopment plan for the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.
Phase 1 comprised a comprehensive upgrade of the theatre’s performance and patron-facing spaces, including a full auditorium refurbishment. This involved new seating and joinery, installation of new lighting, AV systems, stage engineering, and the reprofiling and enhancement of the balcony structure.
Works also included the refurbishment of back-of-house areas such as dressing rooms, along with upgrades to the front-of-house toilets and circulation spaces, collectively modernising the theatre’s technical capability and significantly improving the experience for both audiences and performers.
The project included working within the constraints of a historic building, a live city-centre environment and the technical requirements of modern performance facilities.
Victoria Beechey, executive director and co-chief executive of The Arts Theatre said: “The completion of phase 1 marks a significant moment for our theatre. This first stage has delivered a brighter, more welcoming and resilient home for our audiences and artists, and we’re proud to see the building come back to life.
“My thanks go to Savills, the entire project team, and all our partners and supporters, whose commitment and expertise have made this milestone possible.”
With Phase 1 complete, Savills will continue to support The Arts Theatre as it progresses in Phase 2; the creation of a new studio theatre. Phase 2 is expected to commence in 2026.
Rebecca Tinoco, associate director in building and project consultancy at Savills comments: “Seeing the theatre full again for opening night was incredibly special. This has been one of the most complex but rewarding projects I’ve delivered, and the team’s effort has been outstanding.
“It has been a privilege to support such an important cultural institution through this transformation, and we are excited to continue our involvement into Phase 2.”
Image: Savills
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