Kingsmead Theatre in London, England, UK

Information Oct 2007 from Tim Foster Architects A New Theatre for Kingsmead School, Enfield Client: Kingsmead School, Enfield / Value: £450,000 Increasing numbers of local authority secondary schools and colleges are looking to improve their facilities for drama, music and dance, for which the old style of multi-purpose school hall no longer meets the specialist needs of the performing arts, which are now curriculum subjects. Kingsmead School in Enfield has recently received specialist status for the performing and visual arts and the new theatre will provide much needed performance facilities. The theatre has been created on a modest budget within the shell of a 1960s school hall. The new auditorium is a three-sided steeply raked open-stage space, with fixed seating for 280 people. A balcony across the rear of the stage provides a raised performance area for actors, musicians or singers. The auditorium will also be used for assemblies, teaching and community performances and will qualify for a Public Entertainments Licence. A full technical infrastructure has been installed, with the ability to add further lighting and sound equipment as funds allow. Kingsmead School Theatre - Building Information Client : Kingsmead School, Enfield QS : Roger Rawlinson Associates Structural Engineer : Conisbee Services Consultants : The Mackie Engineering Co. Ltd. & White Light Ltd. Acoustic Consultant : Paul Gillieron Acoustic Design Planning Supervisor : Services Management Ltd. Main Contractor : Fredereck Sage Ltd. Tim Foster Architects specialise in buildings for the performing arts. The practice has also designed theatres and performing arts centres for Dulwich College, St Paul's Boys School, Kingston College, Barking College, The American School in London and Cheltenham Ladies College. Other recent and current projects include: The Broadway, Barking (winner of a 2006 Civic Trust Award), The Trafalgar Studios at the Whitehall Theatre, Conservation Management Plans for the Grade II* listed Gardner Arts Centre and Grade II listed Hoxton Hall, The redevelopment of Norwich Theatre Royal, Salisbury Playhouse extension, improvement works for Oval House Theatre and feasibility studies for Greenwich Theatre, Trinity College of Music, the Playhouse Theatre, the Dominion Theatre and the Vaudeville Theatre. Previous award winning schemes include The Tricycle Theatre and Cinema and the Broadway, Peterborough. Kingsmead School Theatre images / information 151007 from Tim Foster Architects