“Bring it on time, bring it on budget, bring me solutions,” was the message to those in charge of regenerating Fairfield Halls.
Reece Costain, of consultants Gleeds, explained the brief from Croydon Council as he outlined progress made on the project so far.
Speaking at Placemaking Croydon, Mr Costain said with the halls now closed, many surveys have been undertaken, for example around drainage, CCTV and asbestos, so the building can be cleared of toxic material and they can go out to tender cleanly.
Enabling works will continue until March 2017 with the main refurbishment going out to tender in January 2017 and finishing in November 2018. The new halls will open at the end of 2018.
Nick Dobson of Mott MacDonald, explained that Fairfield Halls was “dilapidated” with lifts breaking down, the roof and cladding leaking, yet it has “renowned acoustics, it is one of the best concert halls in London”.
Work to Fairfield Halls will include a new rooftop terrace, restoration of original glazing, an energy centre to generate power, a new canopy over the entrance and rebuilding the Arnhem Gallery façade.
