The first phase of the ambitious redevelopment of the Theatre Royal has been completed.
The Theatre Royal instructed Design North, alongside architects Mawson Kerr to redesign two of their hospitality spaces, one fronting Grey Street and another on Market Street. The Theatre Royal has an important history in the city of Newcastle and resides on one of the most prominent and architecturally pleasing streets in the city. The Theatre building itself is Grade I listed, the highest category of listing, rendering it of exceptional historic importance and requiring the most consideration for any type of repair or restoration works. Phase 1 is a small unit to the right of the main theatre entrance, fronting onto Grey Street and Shakespeare Street.
The Theatre saw an opportunity to redevelop this space to create a hospitality space for theatre-goers pre and post shows and for the general public. Design North were responsible for the interior design work, which compliments both the heritage of the theatre and creates a contemporary and inviting interior space. Mawson Kerr, a local architecture practice, were responsible for the architectural design. The design team oversaw the project from concept to completion and co-collaborated innovative design ideas such as the central lighting raft. The raft design took inspiration from the original Victorian tiles found inside the theatre, part of Frank Matcham’s original design, which have since been restored to their full glory under the supervision of English Heritage.
Phase 1 has been a fantastic success, with the space currently being operated by Theatre Royal, but with the intention for other brands to occupy and run the space on short-term contracts, bringing an ever-changing frontage and continual interest to this iconic building. With Phase 1 now complete, work for Phase 2 is well under way and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.
Photography: Ben Hines
