Liverpool Playhouse has taken a step forward with its planned refurbishment after announcing the design team that will guide the process and help to safeguard the historic theatre for generations to come.
The 156 year old theatre is one of the oldest in the city and the last standing venue of its kind in Williamson Square - once home to a number of similar cultural venues. The Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust (LMTT) announced in August that it was looking to appoint a design practice to carry out a Capital Refurbishment Feasibility Study which would inform the theatre's reimagining.
Speaking at the time LMTT CEO Mark Da Vanzo, said that the Playhouse was in “need of a major refurbishment”. As a result therefore the Trust, city council, Combined Authority and Business Improvement District (BID) began exploring the long-term future of the Playhouse and its place in Williamson Square.
READ MORE: Liverpool's 'loved' theatre feeling the strain of its 156 year history
After putting the project out to tender, it has now been revealed that award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins will lead the study of how the century and half old theatre can be upgraded and reimagined. The same firm also led on the award winning refurbishment of the playhouse’s sister theatre, the Everyman.
While a proportion of the plans will centre on the theatre itself, it is hoped the refurbishment can act as a catalyst for regenerating the surrounding area of Williamson Square. Speaking about the winning proposals, Mark Da Vanzo said it honoured the theatre’s heritage and place in Williamson Square
In May, stall holders on Williamson Square noted how the area had been through an element of “ managed decline ” having once been one of the major commercial districts in the city. Other traders noted how they felt “second class” with footfall being directed to other parts of the city centre.
Many felt as though the Square was at a point where reinvention was required. This appeared to have been heightened when Marks & Spencer announced it too would be leaving the area next year.
On announcing the appointment, Mark Da Vanzo, CEO of the LMTT Trust which runs the Playhouse and the Everyman theatres said: “We’re looking forward to working alongside the City Council, City Region and Liverpool BID to reimagine the Liverpool Playhouse for the future with the Haworth Tompkins team.
"Together with their partners, they presented a proposal that honours our heritage and place in Williamson Square, while bringing the theatre into the 21st century, for staff, artists, for audiences and the communities we serve. Having led on the re-development of the RIBA Stirling Prize winning Everyman, which had accessibility and sustainability at its heart, we can’t wait to see what might be possible for the Playhouse.”
Haworth Tompkins will work in partnership with a multi-disciplinary design team, including Liverpool based architects MGMA, Charcoalblue as Theatre Consultants, Layer Studio as Landscape Architects and Local Engagement by Placed. Speaking as Director Lead for the project, Lucy Picardo from Haworth Tompkins said: “We're thrilled to be appointed.
"We already have a strong attachment to Liverpool through our work at the Everyman, led by my co-directors Steve Tompkins and Roger Watts, and much experience working with listed historic theatres such as Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Royal Drury Lane. With a great team of partners on board, we're looking forward to delivering an ambitious, sustainable, practical yet joyous vision for the Playhouse and Williamson Square.”
The appointed team have already begun work on the plans with their report due in the Spring of 2023.
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