Playfords Limited have been awarded the contract for the mechanical and electrical elements associated with the refurbishment and alterations to the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is grade 1 listed, and one the most important theatres in the country. Owned by LW Theatres Group Ltd (previously known as Really Useful Theatres Group) who purchased the building 16 years ago, the venue is open daily and has recently held productions of Shrek, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and 42nd Street which is currently showing.
The contract secured is to replace the whole of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing services throughout the theatre, bringing it up to today’s standards which will allow the theatre to host a wider variety of shows and productions. The refurbishment will incorporate the latest technology in terms of sound and lighting systems.
The contract is Playford’s largest contract award, which was won in stiff competition and secured off the back of a recent success at the Royal Opera House, where Playfords completed the MEP Services for the open up project. The client and project team expended lots of time analysing Playford’s bid and reviewing the company’s past works before finally securing the contract award in July.
Initial survey works have already commenced, and a 3D model of the building will be produced so that a fully coordinated building services installation is created. The actual construction and installation works on site will commence in January 2019 following the closure of the latest production at the theatre.
Playfords will have 16 months to complete the works prior to the re-opening of the Theatre in the Autumn of 2020.
[Photo shows from left to right back row: Dan Watkins – Project Director for LW Theatres Group Ltd, Kayne Howes – Partner, Gardiner & Theobald LLP (Construction Manager). Front Row: Darren Atkins – Operations Director for LW Theatres Group Ltd, Rebecca Kane Burton – Managing Director for LW Theatres Group Ltd, Alan Tuohy – Playfords Managing Director and Mick Tee – Playfords Director signing the contract documents]
