Architectural firm, Stanton Williams, who were appointed to overhaul the world famous Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, has revealed its long-awaiting designs for the Grade I listed building.
The scheme is described as an “Open Up” project intended to make the building a better and more inviting place to visit. The designs for the £37 million project will open up the entrance from the piazza and a new glazed entrance will be created on Bow Street.
Space will be allocated for exhibitions, education, special events, digital interaction, and dining with a revamped bar and restaurant. The ground floor and upper floor foyers will be improved with better flow between floors with some walls being replaced with glass for enhanced views through the building. The building’s second theatre, the Linsbury Studio Theatre, will be upgraded.
Alex Beard CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said: “From an international shortlist of talented architectural practices we chose Stanton Williams to oversee the project. Its proposals struck the right balance between respecting what we have and developing it in line with our aims for the public. An exhibition about the new plans is on display in the building now, and will remain so for a period of public consultation.”
Stanton Williams beat off competition from Witherford Watson Mann in the Open Up competition which led to them winning the contract. A planning application with their designs are expected to be submitted in December. If approved, work could begin in 2015 with a construction period of up to two years.