Novus Property Solutions is about to commence work on a multi-million pound project to transform the iconic Tamworth Assembly Rooms into a modern theatre fit for 21st century audiences.
The Grade II listed, 128 year-old building has welcomed both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to perform in the past and today hosts a diverse programme of events and activities for the local community.
The £4.8m makeover is part of the wider Enterprise Quarter project, a joint initiative between Tamworth Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council, funded by Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent LEP’s Single Local Growth Fund (£2.95m), the Heritage Lottery Fund (£903,400), Arts Council England (£365,000) and Tamworth Borough Council.
Over the next 14 months, Novus will be refurbishing, extending and modernising the historic building. The project will involve the creation of a café bar and exhibition space, a new box office, glazed double doors at the front and a brand new glass extension on the side of the building, which will be used as a studio space.
Accessibility will be enhanced with a new access ramp outside and an improved layout throughout and the current tiered seating will be replaced with new state-of-the-art retractable seating to create a contemporary and flexible theatre space. Back stage areas will be improved for performers and the building will be decorated throughout.
Although the theatre is being significantly refurbished and updated, its ornate historic features will be conserved and the new extension has been carefully designed to complement the character of the existing building.
Dean Povey, operations manager for Novus, said: “The Assembly Rooms are an iconic part of Tamworth’s history and landscape. We’re looking forward to working closely with Tamworth Borough Council to bring the theatre up to date for the 21st century while ensuring it remains true to its heritage. Our team are all highly experienced in working with historic listed buildings like the Assembly Rooms and are committed to delivering a high quality of finish.”
David Frost CBE, Chairman of the Staffordshire and Stoke LEP, said: “The refurbishment of the Assembly Rooms is an important step forward in the transformation of Tamworth. Creating a vibrant and attractive town centre will increase visitor numbers, boost the local economy and create jobs, benefitting both Tamworth and the wider area.”
Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Regeneration, Cllr Steve Claymore, said: “Tamworth Assembly Rooms is a very iconic and historic building and this project represents a significant investment in its future for the people of Tamworth and beyond to enjoy. We’re pleased to be working with Novus Property Solutions and I’m looking forward to seeing the theatre being transformed into a more modern venue that the whole town can be proud of.”
Other members of the project team include Brownhill Hayward Brown Architects, who have worked on the designs for the landmark building, Keelagher Okey Klein quantity surveyors, Cundall structural engineers and mechanical and electrical engineers BWB Consulting.
The whole project is being managed by appointed project managers Rider Levett Bucknall UK.
For more information about Novus Property Solutions please visit www.novussolutions.co.uk
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