Marlowe Theatre Canterbury : Architecture

New Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury 27 Mar 2009 MARLOWE THEATRE REDEVELOPMENT, CANTERBURY Keith Williams' radical proposals for the redevelopment of Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre, which were formally granted planning permission on 28 October 2008 have now been approved for construction by Canterbury City Council (20 March 2009) The 4,850sqm scheme lies in the heart of the historic city's core near Canterbury Cathedral's World Heritage Site, and will be built on the site of the present Marlowe Theatre. Williams' scheme retains only the Marlowe's existing flytower structure and stage, but otherwise will be a totally new construction. The new Marlowe which incorporates a 1200 seat main auditorium with 2 balconies, orchestra pit and flytower, as well as a new 150 seat flexible format 2nd space will be built on former brownfield land, and will connect the theatre to the banks of the nearby River Stour with new public spaces and terraces. The project which in formal terms is a complex pavilion, includes an 8m high colonnade to a multi level glazed foyer, thereby presenting a unified façade to the west side of the Friars, an important historic street, and creating a gateway to the drama within. The foyer connects all the major spaces in the Marlowe with the riverside terraces and pathways, and is seen as a crystal ribbon by day transforming into a blade of light by night, uniting all the theatre's public spaces. The colonnaded overhang also provides shelter to the south facing foyer from solar gain. The existing flytower, widely regarded as an eyesore, is the second tallest structure in the city after Bell Harry, the Medieval cathedral's principal tower. Williams' scheme will remodel the flytower's form, extending it vertically by 9m to a point to create a pinnacle form, adding accent and silhouette to the city's skyline. The flytower will be clad in a stainless steel mesh skin causing its form to dematerialise and its surfaces to shimmer and sheen whilst subtly reflecting the changing hues of the daytime sky and sunset. Williams sees the flytower form as a prominent pinnacle of secular architecture within the historic city whilst ensuring that the tower of the mediaeval cathedral's spiritual architecture retains its pre-dominance. The £25.6 million project is due to start construction in May 2009 with completion expected in 2011. Information online soon Previously, 13 Nov 2007: PRESS RELEASE Keith Williams Wins the Canterbury Marlowe Theatre Competition Keith Williams Architects have won the concept competition to remodel the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. Williams’ radical proposal envisages sweeping away the front of the existing building, adding a new 200 seat 2nd theatre, and remodelling the existing flytower. The images show a new multi-level glazed foyer enwrapping the building which he describes as a crystal ribbon sitting in contrast to the medieval and Georgian architecture that forms the immediate context. The project when complete will include new foyers and bars, an expanded main auditorium of 1150 – 1200 seats, the new flexible form 2nd space, and rebuilt back stage facilities including rehearsal rooms and technical spaces. The firm was chosen by Canterbury City Council, ahead of shortlisted teams from Levitt Bernstein, RHWL, John McAslan and Burrell Foley Fisher on the basis of its vision for the new project and its track record. The firm will work with project managers Drivers Jonas on the development of the £24 million project. Construction is expected to start in January 2009 with the Marlowe opening in autumn 2010.

Alison Brooks Architects

photo : Dennis Gilbert