Hall for Cornwall wins Best Project 2023 Award
08/07/23 15:08 Filed in: HfCArchitecture
The Royal Town Planning Institute Award Hall For Cornwall the best Project 2023 in South West Awards for Planning Excellence
Commenting on the Chair’s Award for Design, the Judges said: "The theatre design and selection of materials to enhance and protect the building whilst reflecting the Cornish Coast is outstanding. Their focus on the user experience has delivered a theatre to be proud of".
Commenting on the Chair’s Award for Design, the Judges said: "The theatre design and selection of materials to enhance and protect the building whilst reflecting the Cornish Coast is outstanding. Their focus on the user experience has delivered a theatre to be proud of".
The Hall For Cornwall, a Grade II* listed building, has undergone an impressive refurbishment and remodelling that not only preserves and restores its rich heritage elements but also enhances its audience capacity and establishes a new dynamic relationship between performers and their audience. Thanks to the innovative three-tiered theatre space, the organisation can now deliver its artistic vision and provide improved access to arts and culture for the Cornwall community. Moreover, the newly added facilities support a sustainable business model for the organisation, resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome for all involved.
This incredible project involved stripping the old arena-style auditorium back to its basic structure and introducing a new steel and timber frame across three levels. The renovation includes a flexible proscenium and variable acoustic banners, allowing diverse performances. Additionally, the theatre now offers universal access, comfortable seating, and improved dressing room facilities, including proper facilities for performers with disabilities. The Boscawen Hall has been beautifully restored and now functions as a new foyer and bar for the theatre. At the same time, a casual café restaurant has been opened in the Back Quay building that is operational throughout the day.
The judges said:
“In selecting this entry as the winner of the Best Project in the South-West, the judges were impressed with the planning considerations in delivering an impressive theatre design that is outstanding and focused on an inclusive user experience.
Given that the Theatre could have been repurposed as a Supermarket in the 1990s, the Panel considered there is much to commend this project as an exemplar of reusing and restoring buildings to meet current requirements. Its history shines through with innovative storytelling - via QR codes - and detailed stonework, which celebrates the many previous uses.
As an example of a mixed-use, culturally led development in the heart of a compact urban environment involving two Grade II * listed buildings, the scheme is seen as a highly successful outcome at a time when City Centres can struggle to maintain their position".
The finished building reflects the location and culture, providing a space accessible to all without barriers to attendance or participation. It seamlessly connects the past and present, the social with the artistic, and the community with heritage and place. The Hall For Cornwall is a stunningly beautiful and culturally significant space that residents and visitors to Cornwall can enjoy for years to come.