Richardson & Peat • Grove Theatre, Dunstable

Grove Theatre, Dunstable

Client:	Grove Theatre
Architect:	Glenn Howell Architects
Contractor:	SDC Construction
Value:	£8 Million
Completion Date:	March 2008
Filed under:	Carpentry

Grove Theatre is the biggest leisure development undertaken in South Bedfordshire for 40 years. A stunning two and three-storey complex with a warm, modern look, the £16 million theatre has many beautiful and practical features.

Over the course of 15 months, Richardson & Peat built the raised seating areas and all circular seating in the complex. It also supplied and fitted all of the curved hard wood cappings to the stairwells and carried out the carpentry works to the back of the theatre, including doors, door frames and skirting boards.

The stage area has a fly tower two and a half times the height of the stage opening, with a counterweight flying system. This will allow scenery to be moved vertically, high above the stage. Richardson & Peat built the high level gantry walkways for the provision of scenery.

Richardson & Peat assisted with the design of the curved seating areas. The elliptical curved structure proved challenging, especially as it was all finished in hardwood. But Richardson & Peat's knowledge and expertise meant the timber was curved to radius with no problems.

"We chose Richardson & Peat for its proven track record in programme and quality. Some value engineering had to be done to satisfy all parties and make the cost plan work. Richardson & Peat played an integral part in helping develop the change in design and coming up with solutions. We were delighted with the company's work and would highly recommend it."

Jamie Woodward
Construction Manager, SDC Construction