Leeds Grand Opera reopens

Leeds Grand Theatre, the performance base for Opera North, has reopened after a two year transformation programme by BDP. The firm provided multi-disciplinary services on the scheme for client Leeds City Council, part of which is being met by a grant from the Arts Council.

The Grand Theatre, built in 1878, was a major milestone in Victorian theatre building and is Grade II listed. Yet the 19th century facilities no longer met present day audience and performance expectations and working conditions backstage and facilities for artists were becoming increasingly difficult and inefficient.

The £16m first phase works on the theatre have involved new seating, improved sight lines, better ventilation and improved facilities for the disabled. Backstage, the fly tower and flying systems have been upgraded, and two new rehearsal rooms constructed on an adjacent site are connected to the Theatre by a wide bridge, which also acts as a scenery store accessed form a new get-in lift.

The theatre was designed by George Corson, who also built the adjoining Assembly Room. This was turned into one of the first UK cinemas in the early 20th century and continued in use until the late 1970s. In the second phase of the project, which has just begun, the Assembly Room will soon be restored to provide a new 400-seat venue for music making, showcasing new talent, orchestral rehearsals and educational projects.

BDP Director Charles Broughton said: "We know how important the Grand Theatre is to the people of Leeds so we are pleased to be part of the team which has delivered a first class theatre of national stature and provided a permanent home for Opera North, while preserving its historical roots."