John Turner wins contract for next phase of Royal Court revamp

John Turner Construction has been appointed contractor for the Act III project, the £2m third stage of renovation work at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool.

The £12m revamp of the theatre has been delivered in phases as funding has been secured. Phases one and two, of a planned four, have seen the refurbishment of the original 1,186-seat auditorium and the exposure of the theatre’s original brickwork by remodeling front of house areas to create a new circle bar and toilets on the first floor.

The third phase, Act III, will create a new independent 150-seat basement venue, catering kitchen and link corridor, while remaining open to the public.

During the 26-week project, which has received Arts Council funding, backstage improvements will include new modern dressing rooms and the installation of a lift. The stage area will be renovated along with the fitting of a new communication system and fly-bars to increase the size and range of shows the theatre can present.

Act III also focuses on the upper circle and balcony levels of the theatre creating better public spaces, improved access and food and drink facilities, along with larger and more comfortable seating.

John Turner Construction’s in-house joinery facility will manufacture bespoke bars, balcony and balustrades. The project will be managed from the contractor’s Liverpool office.

The Royal Court Theatre first opened in 1826, and was rebuilt in the Art Deco style in 1938 after the original building was destroyed in a fire.