EHC 0321 Hertford Theatre Growth and Legacy Project

Descriptions

The Council has a vision for Hertford Theatre (The Theatre) to become a cultural hub for the District and to maximise its location alongside the River Lea. To facilitate this vision a physical redevelopment of the building and the creation of a new cultural and event space is proposed. In July 2018, the Council approved a capital investment of £13.5m for the "Growth and Legacy" option to develop and expand the Theatre. This project is a construction contract which will be based on a design and build contractThe detailed scope of the development comprises the following:•Redevelopment and extension of front of house spaces to include 3 cinema screens with a minimum total capacity of 200 seats.•Enhanced Main Auditorium with a capacity of 550 seats with an additional high-level balcony and new fixed seating layout to improve customer ‘theatre’ experience and ensure consistency across all auditoria. The auditorium will continue to also show film.•A flexible studio theatre space with around 150 seats. Film will also be shown in this space.•Two hireable spaces, with one as a dance studio.•Reconfigured entrance foyer.•Relocated and enhanced food and beverage offer alongside and over-looking the River Lea.•Acoustic improvements to the main Auditorium.•Reconfigured office and backstage spaces.•Improved accessibility in-line with the Equality Act including new back-stage door with accessible ramps leading to accessible changing and rehearsal spaces enabling disabled performers and participants to engage fully with the theatre and its output.•Improved access and sightlines of Castle Gates by addressing access and parking concerns creating a greatly improved public realm around the entire theatre site.•The project will provide an opportunity to improve the connectivity between the town, Theatre and park, opening up sightlines along the River Lea and encouraging more people to engage with these currently under-utilised areas.•The project will develop a scope for partnering with the Town Council, schools and other centres of education to release the heritage story of the Motte, Castle Gardens and Hertford.