Transforming An Old Theatre

Around London and many other cities throughout the world, there are many “pleasure palaces” that have years ago ceased to be useful. These beautiful buildings have fallen into decay. Is it possible to transform these past relics so they can once more be useful?

It is important these days to consider the feasibility of renovating an existing building rather than demolishing it to start over, in order to protect the environment. Retaining the existing foundations and in some cases the outer outer walls of the structure can cause much less impact on the environment and will in the majority of situations be much less cost to the developer. But what can be done with an old disused theatre? The answer is… plenty! With some imagination and architectural understanding, these aging beauties can once again play a role in the streetscapes of our cities.

Clearly, the decision whether to renovate or rebuild is dependent upon the structural integrity of the building in conjunction with the visual aesthetics. Is there a cultural significance attached to the building? Does it represent a specific architectural period? Will the resulting structure appreciate in value? There are many such aspects that must be taken into consideration.

The following ideas are but four of many possible transformations of an old theatre.

Creating a Contemporary Theatre/Cinema Complex

This is mostly likely the clearest option for such a structure. Placing upgraded facilities within a heritage building can be seen as the best of both worlds, partnering the romance of the pleasure palace with state of the art technology as demanded by today’s audiences. There are many disused theatres that have been transformed in this way.

Depending upon the size of the original building and the demands of the locality, there is even scope for a small performance space, complete with change rooms, to satisfy those with a taste for live theatre.

Incorporating a Shopping Mall

This is indeed a way to boost revenue, particularly for a building situated in the heart of a city. Small specialty shops with a variety of goods for sale would boost the local economy and provide retail-based employment. Car parking spaces or the availability of public transport should be considered to attract the greatest number of shoppers.

A Leisure Centre

A combination of a gym with healthy food stalls is infinitely appealing to time-poor city workers. Add to this a meeting place, possibly even a conference centre and the old theatre takes on a new role. A roof top garden, wherever this is practical, would result in a haven for humans, transporting them from their stressful daily lives, even if only for a little while.

A Suite of Residential Apartments

City living is always attractive and residential spaces are highly sought after in most cities. An old theatre can be transformed into a series of trendy living spaces for those who wish to be close to the action, or for those who do not wish to travel long distances to work. Once again, the roof top garden can be an area where residents can share meals or just unwind.

With a little ingenuity and careful planning, these ideas are sure to be a success and the old theatre will live once more.

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