Experts have outlined ways in which Croydon can improve its £30million refit of Fairfield Halls.
A panel brought together by the Theatres Trust – including the current and former chief executives of Birmingham Symphony Hall, the Bristol Music Trust and Birmingham Royal Ballet – have provided Croydon Council, who have shut the venue for two years to facilitate the renovation, with advice on ways that the scheme can be improved.
They recommended a review of load-in arrangements for the concert hall so that it is appropriate for potential users has been taken on board, as has their recommendation about putting more seats into the Ashcroft Theatre. Both are now built into the council’s plans.
This will mean some £4m can be spent on better audience facilities, such as improved air conditioning for the summer months.
Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and sport, said: “The panel’s feedback has been, and will continue to be, incredibly useful in guiding us in the run-up to re-opening of the Halls in 2018. We’re really grateful for them giving up their time for free and being so enthusiastic about the project.
“Our first big priority right now is to get on with clearing the building in preparation for the main refit to start. At the same time we’re moving ahead with recruiting an experienced theatre management company.”
The panel welcomed the way the council was aiming to landscape the space around the Halls and also how it wants to restore many of the building’s original features. This will help highlight Fairfield’s historic links to the Royal Festival Hall.
They also agreed the council was right to focus on creating an excellent audience experience and on reducing future running costs.
Paula Murray, Creative Director at Croydon Council, said: “The day spent with the panel touring the Halls and discussing their future was brilliant. We were delighted they agreed to give up their valuable time and they were all clearly impressed with the project. They are all so experienced they have given us some great ideas to consider. Our huge thanks go to the Theatres Trust for arranging this.”
The report and more indformation on the Fairfield project can be found at www.croydon.gov.uk/fairfield