Charcoalblue's Work on Newcastle's Theatre Royal Wins RICS award

One of theatre design consultancy, Charcoalblue's biggest projects of 2011 has won a prestigious Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Award. The hugely successful Newcastle Theatre Royal restoration project was honored with both 'Project of the Year' and 'Building Conservation' Awards.

The awards showcases outstanding work in the conservation of a single building or a group of buildings or structures and covers renovation or conservation to a new or original use.

Newcastle's Theatre Royal reopened its doors to the public on Monday, September 12, 2011, following an extensive £5 million restoration project involving UK theatre consultants, Charcoalblue.

Managing director of the company, Andy Hayles explains: "The scope of the restoration for this Grade I listed theatre was particularly ambitious, and included complete internal redecoration, new seating, new and refurbished pit lifts, new lighting positions, and extensive rewiring. Charcoalblue was responsible for the design of all the technical systems and their integration within the historic fabric of the building, as well as advising on sightlines and seating layouts."

The RICS Conservation Award judges reviewed a number of criteria in choosing which project to honor, including how much of the original material remains in the building, and what methods have been adopted to re-use original material; the major conservation achievements; the important architectural features of the property and how have they been conserved; and how users and the local community received it.

"Having designed and managed the refurbishment of the theatre flytower in 2007, we were thrilled to return and restore the auditorium to its former glory," says Gavin Green, Charcoalblue's head of theatre design. "Working closely with the architect and historical consultant we removed years of dust and dirt, taking the theatre back to the genius of Matcham's original vision. We're thrilled that RICS has recognized the success of the project -- and Charcoalblue's work -- in presenting the venue with this award."

Jon Woodley, project manager for Charcoalblue added: "The Newcastle Theatre Royal refurbishment was an exciting and challenging project that has utilized the full range of Charcoalblue's skills and knowledge. We have installed the latest entertainment technology into a beautiful, historic theatre in a highly sensitive manner. Throughout the process we've ensured that the fabric of this historically important building is preserved, while introducing 21st-century technology that ensures it remains one of the top regional theatres in the UK."

Most recently the Charcoalblue team was presented with a 2011 Building Design Award for the incredible transformation of the iconic Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

In 2010, Charcoalblue won two awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). In 2009, it won three. Since 2005, Charcoalblue has won 14 separate awards from RIBA, including 'London Building of the Year' in 2007 for its work on the Young Vic Theatre.