Kier hands over Shakespeare North Playhouse
The contractor has completed work on the £27m Prescot theatre.
The playhouse, described as the first of its kind in the Liverpool city region, was handed over to Knowsley Council last week.
Designed by Helm Architecture, it was procured through the North West Construction Hub framework, with work starting in early 2020.
The Playhouse includes a flexible theatre with capacity for between 320 and 472 seats, based on the 17th century ‘cockpit-in-court’ design. It also includes a digital gallery, visitor centre, additional performance spaces including an outdoor performance garden, coffee shop and office space.
The theatre is built from reclaimed hardwood, designed and crafted by hand. Thanks to the use of a flywheel energy storage system, power requirements on site were reduced, with 40% less fuel consumed than had been expected.
Sean Fenner, regional director at Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “Working alongside our local supply chain partners, Kier has utilised its technical skill as well as trialled sustainable innovations to deliver a modern, accessible and energy efficient building.”
Melanie Lewis, chief executive of Shakespeare North Playhouse Trust, said: “Shakespeare North Playhouse is an incredibly unique architectural project. Kier have been exemplary in their understanding of the specific nuances required and their collaborative nature was exactly what was needed on a project with this level of historical reference.”
Mott MacDonald is the structural engineer and Arup the theatre consultant. Auston Smith Lord is the project’s executive architect.
Further projects by Kier in the sector include Chester’s Storyhouse, which opened in 2017.
