The Coliseum, English National Opera
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Macham's masterpiece restored
Hufton + Crow (website) Download Original
Refurbishment of the Coliseum, the Georgian home of the English National Opera
The auditorium is the centrepiece of the project. Restored to its original scheme of white, red and gold, with the marble and alabaster stripped of coats of paint, decorative swags and curtains were all reinstated as well as new seats for the auditorium and the integration of the balcony. From the balcony there is access to an external viewing point with fine views to St Martin-in-the-Fields and to Trafalgar Square.
The old plan had poor provision for toilets, inadequate bars, defective ventilation (especially in the orchestra pit), lack of disabled access and the presence of acoustic ‘black spots’ in the auditorium, whch were all redesigned for the restoration.
The new conservatory is s modern steel and glass structure that flattens out at the top as Matcham’s circular-vaulted original tower stands.
Structural improvements include; a new feature staircase from the foyer to the cloakrooms in the basement; a new floor at balcony level for a bar with views across Trafalgar Square and enlargement of the orchestra pit.
Data
- Begun: Jan 2002
- Completed: Feb 2004
- Floor area: 12,000m2
- Total cost: £41M
- Funding: National Lottery
- Tender date: Jun 2001
- Procurement: Construction management with packaged procurement
- Address: English National Opera, London Coliseum, St. Martin's Lane, Central London, WC2N 4ES, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: RHWL
- Project architects: Barry Pritchard, Clare Ferraby, David Wright, Gabrielle Flood, Jeanna South, Jenny Edwards, Jody O'Sullivan, Jonathan Williams, Miles Griffies, Nick Thompson, Patricia Aylward, Paul Bussey, Simon Smith, Steve Huntley, Stewart King
- Client: English National Opera
- Conservation consultant: John Earl
- Project manager: Gardiner & Theobald
- Theatre consultant: Carr and Angier
- Acoustic consultant: Arup
- Lighting design: Lightmatters
- Access consultant: David Bonnett Associates
- Catering consultant: Winton Nightingale
- Construction manager: Gardiner & Theobald
- General builder: Lancville Construction
- Quantity surveyor: Gardiner & Theobald
- Structural engineer: Arup
- Services engineer: Arup
Suppliers
- Terracotta sculptor : Mick Madden
- Terracotta supply: Shaws of Darwen
- Structural steelwork: RJD Structural Engineering
- Historic joiner: Edwin Dyson and Sons
- Revolving ball restoration: Smith of Derby Group
- Terracotta, marble and mosaic: Stonewest