Grand Theatre Restoration

As this project has been started, its time to create a thread on it.

From Leeds Civic Trust

http://www.leedscivictrust.org.uk/images/Grand-facade.jpg

The Grand Theatre, one of the great buildings and amenities of Leeds, is in need of major renovation to bring it into the 21st Century. At the same time, it is remarkable that a company with the international reputation of Opera North can have managed so long in the make-do and mend facilities of the Grand. Opera North needs and deserves much improved facilities. In April the Trust's Planning Committee received a presentation from Richard Mantle, General Director of Opera North, describing the exciting plans for the theatre. Space here permits only an outline of the major proposals.

Changes to the theatre: For the audience there will be air conditioning, improved sight lines, new and roomier seating, proper disabled access and improved front of house facilities. The seating capacity would fall slightly to 1500, and 1400 when an enlarged orchestra pit was in use. To facilitate productions the fly tower will be raised by 3 metres and the orchestra pit enlarged. A hydraulic lorry lift will be installed in the side street so that scenery can be transferred direct from lorries to the stage and rehearsal rooms. The theatre will undergo a major restoration. For example, large areas of painted-over original tiling will be restored.

The former Assembly Rooms (at one time used as a cinema) will be restored to their former glory and brought back into use as a second performance space to seat 500 people. Amazingly, when first opened it could seat 1300 people. Its new raked seating will be capable of being pushed back so that the floor can be cleared for events for up to 300/350 people. The room will also be used for rehearsals. Overall, once restored it should be viewed as a 'grand room' with performance potential. Probably 20 per cent of its use will be for ticketed events.

Premier House on the opposite side of the side street will become the administrative headquarters of Opera North and will be linked to the theatre by a pedestrian bridge. A suite of large rehearsal rooms will be built on the car park site immediately behind Premier House.

http://www.leedscivictrust.org.uk/images/grandplansbg.jpg

It is hoped to fund the scheme with a £15 million Arts Council grant plus funds from the Heritage Lottery, Leeds City Council (the building owner) and private and corporate donations. The present timetable is for a planning application to be made in July 2004, for the theatre to close in March 2005 and for it to re-open the following year. While it is closed Opera North would continue to tour and provided a shortened programme of local performances using the Town Hall and probably the Alhambra in Bradford.

This is a very ambitious and exciting scheme, with a very ambitious timetable (some colleagues experienced in Lottery applications felt an opening date of 2008 was much more realistic). The scheme has many virtues, it also raises many questions. For example, in restoring the building what date should it be restored to? Should the Titanic-style stalls corridor areas be taken back to the Victorian era? What should happen to the building exterior? What does the future hold for the Art Deco shops on New Briggate? Should more space be allocated for front of house facilities?

By Kevin Grady, Director of Leeds Civic Trust.

Date: October 5th, 2005

MASSIVE CRANE LIFTS THEATRE RESTORATION

A huge crane which towers over the Leeds Grand Theatre is the eye-catching emblem of restoration work now under way in earnest at the historic venue.

The 152ft installation has recently arrived to help with heavy lifting during the early stages of construction work, the start of which will be officially toasted this week.

Foundations had to be sunk 13ft into the ground to support the weight of the 220-tonne crane. It will be hoisting bulky loads of up to eight tonnes with a radius of up to 65ft during the beginning of the £20.6m first phase of the Transformation project.

This is aimed at both restoring the much-loved theatre and providing a permanent home there for the award-winning Opera North company.

To celebrate the start of the scheme representatives of all the major organisations involved will be viewing its initial progress on Friday (Oct 7th). Three very short speeches will then be given by Cllr John Procter, executive member for Leisure for Leeds City Council and chair of the Leeds Cultural Partnership, Warren Smith, general manager of the Grand Theatre and Richard Mantle, Opera North general director.

Building contractors Laing O’Rourke have been on site for the past couple of months ensuring that all preparatory work is complete and are now well under way with the complex construction work.

They are running a series of smaller building projects simultaneously at the theatre in order to ensure the work on the first phase is completed in around a year.

The auditorium will see some of the biggest improvements, with new stalls seating, air-cooling and a reconfigured, more flexible orchestra pit. There will also be new rehearsal rooms for Opera North and a special lorry lift to bring in scenery from the street.

Excellent - I hope to go to a production when it opens, as I didn't get to see The Thieving Magpie at the start of the year (was going to take a lady friend but she had cold feet)...

going out to the main crane fan Rob. Here's his topless!

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/3135/img03208mo.jpg

What exaclty will the grand theatre restoration mean? Will it simply mean a restored theatre but with exaclty the same things as before, or will it mean an improved spirit in this area. Projects like this certainly are what make the area. I do feel however, The town hall restoration hasn't done much so far. I think too that Victoria Gardens need bringing up to date.

What exaclty will the grand theatre restoration mean? Will it simply mean a restored theatre but with exaclty the same things as before, or will it mean an improved spirit in this area. Projects like this certainly are what make the area. I do feel however, The town hall restoration hasn't done much so far. I think too that Victoria Gardens need bringing up to date.


I agree.

What exaclty will the grand theatre restoration mean? Will it simply mean a restored theatre but with exaclty the same things as before, or will it mean an improved spirit in this area. Projects like this certainly are what make the area. I do feel however, The town hall restoration hasn't done much so far. I think too that Victoria Gardens need bringing up to date.

Yes I must say the Town Hall would have been better had they reverted back to the old grand stepped entrance at the front with Queen Victoria's statue returned back from woodhouse moor.

What exaclty will the grand theatre restoration mean? Will it simply mean a restored theatre but with exaclty the same things as before, or will it mean an improved spirit in this area. Projects like this certainly are what make the area. I do feel however, The town hall restoration hasn't done much so far. I think too that Victoria Gardens need bringing up to date.

I would have thought it is fairly self explanatory. Its a restoration of a wonderful old theatre which hasn't had much spent on it since it was built. If you regularly see any productions (Opera North / touring companies etc) you can see that the interior is threadbare and really not fit for the new millenium. Much like Mackintosh and Lloyd Webber are refurbing their own London theatres to cater for bigger butts (Americans), there is a need to spruce up the infrastructure and try to stem the drop in the number of theatre goers.

Its not just the auditorium that will gain from this - the Opera North offices will be connected to the theatre by a glass walkway across Harrison Street and more importantly the Assembly Rooms will become a public space for performance etc . Its been a rehearsal room for 20 years but is a wonderful interior space capable of seating sizable crowds for movies and films (as it did in the 1960s). The awful grey box grafted at the top (see my photo) is a film projection booth which had (in 1992, when I did a few children's choruses for Opera North) two large projectors and copious amounts of pidgeon crap. Once removed and the interior refurbished Leeds regains an excellent small concert venue which many people never knew it had.

Add to this the pure aesthetic bonus of getting half of New Briggate cleaned up, with the entire facade receiving a much needed makeover and you can see that this will be an excellent improvement on the City's already expanding cultural scene.

Add the new Assembly Rooms to the Carriageworks, and the Northern Ballet Theatre and Leeds is essentially getting three new small/mid sized venues. Of course there already is the 'Venue' at the College of Music itself and the WYP + the superb City Varieties. I thnk its all looking fairly rosy at the moment.

Millions have been spent on the Town Hall including the main concert hall - to no avail according to the musical cogniscenti ! Millions more are to be spent - all probably money down the drain. Lord Harewood is scathing in his comments about it. The pianist Alfred Brendel, echoing the opinions of many musicians, says that the hall is "hideous, visually and acoustically".

Some months ago the Register Office was moved from Belgrave Street to the Town Hall where it is now ensconced. Sensible and logical move I would suggest - but why no notice to that effect on the outside of the Town Hall ?

I think too that Victoria Gardens need bringing up to date.

It's interesting Pevsner saw Victoria Gardens as a focal point or grand place for Leeds (if i remember rightly) when he visited in the 1960s.

It seems painfully obvious, the city needs a purpose built, modern concert venue.

Yes but that was in 1960. Compared to City Square and Millennium Square it is pretty poor now.

This and Primark will give give that road a well needed facelift, its got rotten over the years.

I agree, The Headrow and the roads branching off it are in serious need of restoration and livening up. The Headrow simply looks a bit dead these days. Primark has certainly improved it though, but some more large names would be welcome. One thing that has always confused me though, is why is the Allders building being split up? Surley this would be the perfect building to house a John Lewis store, maybe not Selfridges as they seem to be a fan of modern...

There was a rumour that there would be a john lewis building constructed in one of the new shopping centre restorations... i think ??

Yeah that wasn't a rumor. John Lewis have confirmed a store will be built in the Harewood/Eastgate quarter (I believe the part of the site next to the market) of 250,000sq. ft full range by 2010. I think it aims to be open by Autumn 2010, with construction starting 2007. I'll just get the full details.

John Lewis to open department store in Leeds
Tuesday 26 April 2005
John Lewis to open multi-million pound department store in Leeds




John Lewis today announced that it is to open a new 260,000 sq ft full-range department store in Leeds.
The new shop, which is targeted to open in Autumn 2010, will be the principal anchor for the proposed Eastgate and Harewood Quarter development in Leeds City Centre. It will represent a £40 million investment and will generate up to 900 jobs.

The Eastgate and Harewood Quarter development is an approximately 1,000,000 sq ft retail-led mixed use scheme by joint developers Hammerson and Town Centre Securities who have formed a joint venture known as “The Leeds Partnership”, and represents a key part of the masterplan for the city centre currently being implemented by Leeds City Council. In addition to the new John Lewis department store, the development will include retail and leisure facilities, 500 residential units, 2,500 parking spaces and a new public space. A planning application will be submitted before the end of the year.

Ann Humphries, Retail Development Director of John Lewis, said, “We are delighted to have finally found the right location for John Lewis to serve Leeds and the extensive Yorkshire catchment area. We know that many of these customers already visit our department stores, and we are excited at the prospect of providing them with a John Lewis closer to home.

“We have been working with Leeds City Council for a long time to secure a John Lewis department store in Leeds, and the support of Councillor Carter and his colleagues in recent months has been instrumental in unlocking this opportunity.”

Andrew Carter, Leader of Leeds City Council, said, “The Eastgate and Harewood development is a vital component in the regeneration of Leeds City Centre. We are delighted that John Lewis has committed to the City and remain convinced that the combined skills provided by Hammerson and Town Centre Securities will ensure that the proposed scheme will meet the City’s unique requirements.”

John Bywater, Managing Director UK of Hammerson, commented, “We have been working closely with Leeds Council to bring forward this development which we believe will bring a vibrant new element to Leeds city centre. The decision by John Lewis to be a central part of this new city quarter is a clear demonstration of retailer confidence in the strength of our proposal.”

Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive of Town Centre Securities, stated, “This is a landmark project for Town Centre Securities in our home city and we are committed to delivering an exciting new environment of which the people of Leeds can be proud. Through our partnership with the City Council and with Hammerson we will be able to create a major regional destination which will become a blueprint for other towns and cities across the UK.”

With the opening of a department store in Leeds, John Lewis will fill a major regional gap in its UK coverage. It is the latest announcement as part of its plans to open 10 new shops in new locations from 2007.

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It follows the realisation that John Lewis have a huge gap in their store coverage, with 2 of the UK's largest cities not benefiting frm the store and the need to travel to Sheffield/Manchester or Newcastle for a store, in other words out of this region, or out of the extended Leeds catchment area. (practically all of north, west and east yorkshire)

sorry bit off the point and old news but just for his benefit!

I knew id seen that article :D

It's at the John Lewis official site and if you google it there will be a few hits relating to it. I think that it also pretty much confirms the Harewood/Eastgate quarter will be built by 2010, especially as there is now 1 flagship store. If this hsa confirmed, that means confirmation of the Eastgate/Harewood qtr surely? This will certainly improve the look of The Headrow, and make it busier and a better place for shops to open with more people crossing it to reach The Harewood Quarter. Currently the only really busy place on The Headrow is at Dortmund Square, and maybe at Primark a bit now. I suppose Albion Street to cross over to The Light is a bit busier now, but to be honest, there isn't all that much in The Light, and Millennium Square is very much somewhere people will only go when theres an event on.

Yes but that was in 1960. Compared to City Square and Millennium Square it is pretty poor now.

What i meant was, Pevsner could see it provides a good focal point for the city. Sadly, despite some recent steam cleaning, it feels very shabby, which is a shame given the architectural grandeur around it.

Just to put it in context, this is a slightly better shot of the refurbished Assembly Rooms - minus the cinema projection box, and with the boarded up entrance fully restored and the bridge in place.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8544/img03237iv.jpg

Superb website with all sorts of information regarding the Grand Theatre transformation including stream video clips inside the Assembly Rooms, construction updates and giving some of the theatre's history. Well worth checking out. Lots of images, but precious little point posting them here when the site is so good.

Enjoy..... Opera North Transformation (http://www.transformationatleeds.com/index.html)

It looks very plain and simple in that picture.. compared to the opening thread one anyway.

The building above the North bar (wood panelling and black windows, would look good if tidied up (old Stringefellows place?!)

The building above the North bar (wood panelling and black windows, would look good if tidied up (old Stringefellows place?!)

Agreed.

Apart from the two cranes in Harrison Street, there's not much sign externally of the work that is being undertaken at the theatre. But tonight's YEP gives an update:

"They're doing a Grand job!

It's one of the landmarks of Leeds,where hundreds of major stars have appeared. When its £31.5m makeover is finished, the Grand Theatre will be an arts complex to rival the country's best. Katie Baldwin donned her hard hat and spent a day behind the scenes at Transformation.

Looking out from the famous stage, the Grand Theatre is almost unrecognisable. The stalls seats are gone, with a new floor being created to ensure fantastic views for all of the audience. In front of the stage the new orchestra pit is taking shape and above us the new flying system is being built. Behind, the sound of workers beavering away on the building opposite makes itself heard through from the huge loading door.

The work is part of the massive Transformation project which, when finished in late 2007 or early 2008, will make the Grand one of the most hi-tech theatres in the country and provide a permanent home for Opera North. In June the first phase got under way with work starting on a new Opera Centre next to the theatre, including rehearsal rooms and an upgrade for the auditorium itself.

When that's completed in September next year, the second phase which includes restoring the Assembly Rooms, front-of-house areas and the facade on Briggate will start. Cash for the first phase has come from various sources. They include Arts Council England, Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Forward and fundraising by Opera North. But the biggest corporate donor to the project has been Yorkshire Bank, which has given £850,000 and whose name will be attached to the new auditorium.

Glenn King, the bank's general manager for customer strategy and delivery, said supporting the scheme was very important. "One key reason is the regeneration of Leeds city centre and we see the Grand Theatre as a key component of that. And also it's important in terms of supporting the arts as this is a flagship arts partnership."

The Yorkshire Bank auditorium will boast more legroom for the audience, a new cooling system, new seats and better acoustics. Bringing the arts to a bigger audience is also key to the firm's support and they are publicising Transformation on their website, in branches and even on ATM receipts. Mr King said it was vital for them to work closely with the theatre and Opera North on the scheme and also to involve Yorkshire Bank's customers and staff. "We are not just contributing funding for the work, that goes hand-in-hand with giving resources and support," he explained. "That way we are an active partner and not a passive one."

In the street next to the stage door will be one of the most impressive additions to the theatre and it will make a world of difference to the productions which can be staged. A special lift will allow articulated lorries to drive on – cab and all – and be taken upwards to deliver scenery. It replaces a small winch which had previously made it a long and arduous task, as well as restricting what shows could be put on and how quickly they could be turned around.

Next to the lift, a futuristic link bridge will connect the rehearsal rooms with the theatre, bringing the historic theatre into the 21st century. Terry Hughes, project manager of the scheme for contractors Laing O'Rourke, is enthusiastic about how the work is progressing. "It's a nice job to work on," he said. Tantalising glimpses of what is to come can be seen around the theatre, like the gorgeous original tiles which were covered by wallpaper but are set to be revealed once more. And Terry, for one, can't wait for it to be finished. "Me and my wife have been a few times," he smiled. "We'll be the first through the door."

For more information about the work or how to contribute to fundraising, log onto www.transformationatleeds.co.uk."

hes spot on, restoration projects are a really worthwhile thing, i love them.

I've been trying to get some shots of the restoration work but it's a bugger to do, given the tightness of the site. So, no chance of getting pics of the new opera centre on Harrison Street but at least we can see the new fly tower taking shape:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/26%20Jan%202006/P1010025.jpg

Spot the early flowering cherry in St John's Churchyard:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/26%20Jan%202006/P1010024.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/26%20Jan%202006/P1010025.jpg

I never thought Upper Briggate could look so beautiful. (D-Fusion, what's that when it's at home?)

I'd love to see the churchyard joined up with St. John's Gardens to make a large green space a la Catherdral Square Brum.

That building on the left (the newsagents) looks so much better now they have removed the peeling white paint and returned it back to it's natural red brick form. Does anybody know if the takeaway, shop premises are going to be removed from the front of the Grand Theatre?

I never thought Upper Briggate could look so beautiful. (D-Fusion, what's that when it's at home?)

I'd love to see the churchyard joined up with St. John's Gardens to make a large green space a la Catherdral Square Brum.

D-Fusion will be a new bar/restaurant when it's finished. I do like the Art Deco building it's in, by the way. It's a pity the fascia hasn't picked up on the theme.

Don't know if you knew that the gardens are in the middle of a makeover which will make them more accessible from Merrion Way.

That building on the left (the newsagents) looks so much better now they have removed the peeling white paint and returned it back to it's natural red brick form. Does anybody know if the takeaway, shop premises are going to be removed from the front of the Grand Theatre?

I think the shops will remain, though in what form, I don't know. The people at Beano wholefood shop told me they're safe for a year or two at least because the work to the outside of the theatre is part of the second phase.

Aviator - was mighty inspired by your shots of the new fly tower from St Johns, so dragged my Pops out for a wander on Saturday afternoon. Ealt blossom indeed!

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9613/img06139pl.jpg

Also zipped up Harrison Street from Vicar Lane and snook a peek at the Opera North offices - though can't make out much. Don't think they'll look that inspiring, but being sited on a little known through road between New Briggate and Vicar Lane and totally out of sight, it doesn't really matter. Suspect they will be 'functional' at best.

http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/976/img06116xq.jpg

walked past this and it's really coming along. The walkway is really going to stand out as something different/unique to that area. The raising in height can also be seen from a distance. I think once finished it will give the Grand a much wider appeal. Hope they make a big song and dance about it with marketing

It's a shame such a cultural jewel is located next to those tired-looking red brick buildings. It should be unshackled from Upper Briggate and relocated to the site of the Headrow centre.

That street should see some benefits of the Eastgate/Harewood Quarter with a bit of luck... It seems an entrance (to Eastgate/Harewood) will be opposite the bottom doors of the Grand Arcade, which might give that arcade a boost. The there's all the new shop units along the front of the Grand...
However it's a bit of a naff street at the moment, especially since it seems to be the main Taxi/Takeaway street for binge drinkers!... (not me of course!)

It's a shame such a cultural jewel is located next to those tired-looking red brick buildings. It should be unshackled from Upper Briggate and relocated to the site of the Headrow centre.

I'm assuming that you missed out a smily or 3 Di Livio?

I'm assuming that you missed out a smily or 3 Di Livio?

The men in white coats are on their way. :)

Saw a massive mobile crane while in town today, went to have a look and it was all rigged up ready to lift the huge lorry 'scissor' lift in place, we watched it lifted and dropped onto the great lifting arms in the lift pit. The bridge structure above looks nearly complete where the trucks will be lifted up to, and looks fairly substantial in size.

Saw a massive mobile crane while in town today, went to have a look and it was all rigged up ready to lift the huge lorry 'scissor' lift in place, we watched it lifted and dropped onto the great lifting arms in the lift pit. The bridge structure above looks nearly complete where the trucks will be lifted up to, and looks fairly substantial in size.

well, this is the new bridge connecting the theatre with the new rehearsal rooms. The lorry lift is in the foreground.

http://img321.imageshack.us/img321/3447/img08596qf.jpg

Next to the lift, a futuristic link bridge will connect the rehearsal rooms with the theatre, bringing the historic theatre into the 21st century.

Saw the new fly tower (looking completed) - pretty high and visible on the skyline now... They need some illuminated signage up there though cos they're pretty plane brick walls...

Has work been completed on the internal refurbishment / back stage upgrade yet? Wasn't this project going ahead in two phases?

http://www.transformationatleeds.co.uk/

It has, but phase 2 is still to come that will see the Assembly rooms brought back and the facade/entrance areas restored.

Will they remove those dodgy stores from there?

Will they remove those dodgy stores from there?

The last time I looked most of the shops had closed and there was a sign up asking for expressions of interest in developing a bar/restaurant in the vacant units. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the opening of a camp Cafe de l'Opera, all red plush and gilt.

Has work been completed on the internal refurbishment / back stage upgrade yet? Wasn't this project going ahead in two phases?

yes, the theatre is back open and Opera North had a rapturous reception to their staging of Peter Grimes which was written up widely as the touring opera event of the year. Tried to get ticket down here at Sadlers Wells but they sold out in 2 days - bah humbug.

Bizarre coincidence as my parents are Civic Trust members and had a tour of the refurbished theatre on sunday morning. From the mouth of my Dad:

Phase 1 is complete and Laing O'Rourke did such a great job that the not often seen Chief Exec came to the opening night, and forwarded a thankyou letter from the theatre manager to all 700 of his staff involved in the project.

The auditorium has been totally revamped - lots more hard wood, nicer seats, air cooling etc. The backstage is completely transformed with amazing new electronic system for the flys which apparently has a helpline number based in Vienna where the software was developed. The lorry lift kept breaking down and is now left halfway up as lots of little scamps (no doubt from Little London) were messing around on it at night and causing damage. The bridge across to the new offices and rehearsal space is rather spectacular and the rehearsal space basically contains two studios the size of two full sized stages.

Phase 2 is kicking off imminently, the Assembley Rooms will connect (as they used to do) directly into the Grand Salon (the ballroom type room at the front overlooking New Briggate).

Can't remember much more, but sounded superb, and everyone involved is happy with the outcome.

I remember shed loads of trips to the Grand back in the early 1990s. Buddy, 42nd Street, Return to the Forbidden Planet (about 6 times), Blood Brothers, 5 Guys Named Moe, numerous Opera North shows and Bird and Fortune on tour in 1998. Anyway, a place close to my heart having trodden the boards many times in Community Operas, Scout Gangshows and Opera North open days.

Think I'm seeing something at Xmas, the Nutcracker perhaps, can't remember, my Mum booked it, but I've forgotten. Anyway, why am I having a conversation with myself? Hmmm.

I echo your sentiments Jimlad, and am pleased to see Leeds' Grand getting what it deserves. Such an iconic building, I was always disappointed with the gf retail and environ, and felt that it had been neglected for far too long.

yes, the theatre is back open and Opera North had a rapturous reception to their staging of Peter Grimes which was written up widely as the touring opera event of the year. Tried to get ticket down here at Sadlers Wells but they sold out in 2 days - bah humbug.

Bizarre coincidence as my parents are Civic Trust members and had a tour of the refurbished theatre on sunday morning. From the mouth of my Dad:

Phase 1 is complete and Laing O'Rourke did such a great job that the not often seen Chief Exec came to the opening night, and forwarded a thankyou letter from the theatre manager to all 700 of his staff involved in the project.

The auditorium has been totally revamped - lots more hard wood, nicer seats, air cooling etc. The backstage is completely transformed with amazing new electronic system for the flys which apparently has a helpline number based in Vienna where the software was developed. The lorry lift kept breaking down and is now left halfway up as lots of little scamps (no doubt from Little London) were messing around on it at night and causing damage. The bridge across to the new offices and rehearsal space is rather spectacular and the rehearsal space basically contains two studios the size of two full sized stages.

Phase 2 is kicking off imminently, the Assembley Rooms will connect (as they used to do) directly into the Grand Salon (the ballroom type room at the front overlooking New Briggate).

Can't remember much more, but sounded superb, and everyone involved is happy with the outcome.

I remember shed loads of trips to the Grand back in the early 1990s. Buddy, 42nd Street, Return to the Forbidden Planet (about 6 times), Blood Brothers, 5 Guys Named Moe, numerous Opera North shows and Bird and Fortune on tour in 1998. Anyway, a place close to my heart having trodden the boards many times in Community Operas, Scout Gangshows and Opera North open days.

Think I'm seeing something at Xmas, the Nutcracker perhaps, can't remember, my Mum booked it, but I've forgotten. Anyway, why am I having a conversation with myself? Hmmm.
I whent to see the first show of Peter Grimes it was really good. they had done a really good job of the inside with more leg room and fitting the lifts in out of the way so not to change the atmosphear of the inside of the building. they had also started peeling back to the origenal surfice on the walls

Think I'm seeing something at Xmas, the Nutcracker perhaps, can't remember, my Mum booked it, but I've forgotten. Anyway, why am I having a conversation with myself? Hmmm.

whoops, got it wrong. Tis A Christmas Carol apparently. I'm hoping to the heavens that it isn't the Tommy Steele version, else my non-existant street cred will be taking a further battering.

A bit of good news on the continuing restoration of the theatre, from last week's YEP:

US donor gets in on theatre's restoration act
BY ALISON BELLAMY

LEADING lights in Leeds have been handed a $750,000 boost – from the other side of the world. The Kresge Foundation, one of the largest foundations in the US, has awarded the grant to help with the £31m redevelopment of Leeds Grand Theatre and the creation of a permanent home for Opera North.

Richard Mantle, Opera North's general director, said today: "We are absolutely thrilled by this outstanding gift from The Kresge Foundation.

"Their enlightened support demonstrates that the strength of Opera North's artistic credentials are being recognised on a truly international platform. This is the first time The Kresge Foundation has supported a project in the north of England

"It is one of a number of gifts taking us towards our remaining £5.5m Transformation target. A great deal remains to be done in seeking further funding to complete the project which will bring far-reaching benefits to the community, and for future generations."

The American donation will be handed over in September and will be used for phase two of the re-development. The first phase was completed in October. The £31m Transformation project is a partnership with Arts Council England, Leeds City Council, Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera North.

The work has already seen the building of the opera centre next to the Grand Theatre, and major improvements inside the theatre include a deeper orchestra pit and an upgraded flying system for lifting scenery on and off the stage. The Yorkshire Bank auditorium has been refurbished with improved sightlines, new seating and an air-cooling system.

Phase Two, which begins in Summer, will see the restoration of the Assembly Room – a key element in the development of Opera North's education, artistic and access programmes – together with the restoration of the front-of-house Victorian heritage areas and the theatre's facade.

The Kresge Foundation is a US foundation with $3bn in assets, which seeks to help non-profit organisations.


I was a bit surprised to read that an American charitable foundation was helping out with the Grand's restoration but it's coming to support, not only the theatre's fabric, but the work of Opera North. And Opera North has a very high reputation both in this country and abroad; maybe it's something to bear in mind when we're comparing the city with others.

Nice one... a pleasant surprise.

And another piece from the YEP. This one is such good news, coming hard on the heels of the Grand's restoration. What with all the focus on that and the new Carriageworks Theatre, the poor old City Varieties seemed to have been completely overlooked:


Stage set for £3m City Varieties bid
By DAVID MARSH

Submission will mark milestone in campaign

THE curtain will finally go up next month on a £3m lottery bid to help restore the world-famous City Varieties music hall in Leeds. Senior councillors will give the go ahead next week for the bid and the application for the cash will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in March.

An initial decision on the bid is expected in September. If it is successful, work on the £9.2m project – which will safeguard the long term future of a key part of the city's cultural heritage – could start in 2009.

The scheme includes major improvements to the auditorium, backstage areas, new offices, new toilets and a lift to make access easier for disabled people.
Submission of the bid will also mark a milestone in the Yorkshire Evening Post's The Shows Must Go On campaign, launched to secure the theatre's future and to attract support for a lottery grant application.

Comedians Ken Dodd, Al Murray, Phil Jupitus and Dave Gorman were among those who quickly moved to support the campaign. Over 5,000 people signed a petition which read: "We, the undersigned, fully support the Yorkshire Evening Post's The Shows Must go On campaign to preserve, through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the historic and world-famous Leeds City Varieties – a cultural gem and a fabulous jewel in Yorkshire's crown which faces an uncertain future as it struggles to fund desperately needed improvements."

The petition will form part of the bid documents to be sent to the HLF.
Coun Andrew Carter, council leader, said: "The City Varieties is one of Britain's oldest theatres. It is part of our city's heritage and we want to see investment which will secure its future. The project will restore the theatre to its former glory, improve attendances and allow for an even better programme of entertainment."

The City Varieties can trace its roots back to the mid 18th century when it was no more than a singing room attached to the White Swan public house, off Briggate. It developed into a major venue and the current theatre opened in 1865. Generations of Leeds theatre goers have been entertained at "the Verts" and some of the biggest names in showbusiness have trod its boards including Charlie Chaplin, Lily Langtry, Houdini, Fred Karno and Marie Lloyd.

In 1953 the BBC began filming The Good Old Days from the City Varieties. With audiences dressed in Victorian costumes and household names on the bill, the show was a huge success and ran for over 30 years. It attracted over 10 million viewers and was shown around the world.

Can't wait to see this dilapidated entrance to the old Assembly Rooms Cinema sorted out.





http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/nosmo2/CIMG1793.jpg

After things have been quiet for some time, it's nice to see some movement on Phase 2 of this project (from the YEP):

Final act promises 'vibrant future'

By Charles Heslett

The final piece of the jigsaw in The Grand Theatre's refurbishment has been put in place with a £1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Thanks to the £995,000 grant it means that the £9.5m Phase 2 of the theatre's Transformation project can now go ahead.

A funding package has already been put together, which includes £2.15m from the Arts Council and £700,000 from Leeds City Council, which owns the historic building. The rest is coming from the Grand Theatre and Opera North, who are based there, and through the Transformation fund-raising campaign, which is nearing its £3m second-phase target.

Councillor John Procter, executive member for Leisure, said: "This is tremendous news for the theatre and for Leeds. Phase 1 of this restoration saw huge improvements to the auditorium and the technical side of the theatre; this second phase will restore the original beauty of this magnificent building and bring the wonderful Assembly Rooms back into use.

"The theatre will be even more accessible to the people of Leeds thanks to the developing education project. This transformation of the theatre will also be a catalyst for the rejuvenation of the area as a whole, with its position right at the helm of the Eastgate redevelopment."

Work will be starting in the near future to restore the public areas of one of Leeds's best-loved theatres to their original Victorian splendour. This will include the frontage of the building, with its ornate Gothic façade, and the entrance area and foyers. The magnificent Assembly Rooms will also be refurbished and brought back into full public use, both as a rehearsal space for Opera North and for performance and educational purposes.

Original access between the rooms and the theatre will be restored. Improvements will be made to the front of house areas and further sections of the original historic tiling will be revealed. An on-going education programme is to be established to cement the theatre's place even closer to the heart of the Leeds community.

Fiona Spiers, Heritage Lottery Fund regional manager for Yorkshire & the Humber, said: "The Grand is one of the finest surviving mid-Victorian theatres in the country. This grant means its makeover can be completed, giving this landmark building a new lease of life and a vibrant future."

Substantial improvements were made during the first part of the theatre's rejuvenation. They included new seating and air cooling in large parts of the auditorium and a vehicle get-in lift. This enables lorries to be lifted several floors up from the street to unload props and scenery directly into the theatre. Opera North gained a new, permanent base and rehearsal rooms as part of the Phase 1 restoration work, and they are working in partnership with theatre staff and the council on the ongoing education project.

It's also encouraging that the project is being linked to the Eastgate development and the more general regeneration of this part of town.

Good stuff.
Germaine Greer was quoted recently in a national paper that the best opera she'd seen this year was an Opera North touring production. Unfortunately, she said that it was therefore worth taking the trip to Nottingham, Manchester, or Newcastle to see it. Doh! :bash:

Good stuff.
Germaine Greer was quoted recently in a national paper that the best opera she'd seen this year was an Opera North touring production. Unfortunately, she said that it was therefore worth taking the trip to Nottingham, Manchester, or Newcastle to see it. Doh! :bash:

Opera North are getting a deservedly good rep - the Peter Grimes I saw at the Grand last Autumn was the best thing I've seen in classical/opera terms for ages

I noticed that zam zam's have opened a new shop over the road i take it that they will be closing the one located between the grand's entrance and opera north's proposed new entrance - therefore allowing refurbishment of the entire 'terrace' within one go - super cool!

Can't wait to see this dilapidated entrance to the old Assembly Rooms Cinema sorted out.





http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/nosmo2/CIMG1793.jpg

Did that not used to be the old entrance to the "Plaza" Cinema, showing early 80s gentlemens movies ?

Did that not used to be the old entrance to the "Plaza" Cinema, showing early 80s gentlemens movies ?


Explain?? :lol:

Explain?? :lol:

I used to giggle and blush when me and my mum, used to walk by on the way to Lewis for shopping "how the hell did they get permission to display posters to passers by I'll never know,... but hey that was in the 70's, well in the very early 80's I'll tell you all and everyone about that, another time... it was very funny ! :lol:

Did that not used to be the old entrance to the "Plaza" Cinema, showing early 80s gentlemens movies ?

Before being called the Plaza and acquiring rather a dubious taste in the films that it showed, it was known as the Assembly Rooms Cinema.

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/20/20041210_42463320.jpg

I've never liked the mucky facade of the Grand or its ornamentation.

A welcome bit of news in today's YEP:


Stage set for act two as Leeds Grand continues its £33m rebirth

By David Marsh

THE £33m refurbishment of the Leeds Grand Theatre and adjacent Assembly Rooms moves into its final phase next month. The work, costing £10.5m, will begin on September 17 and will be completed in September, next year. It is expected that the theatre will stay open during the project

Both Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund have confirmed grant support of £2.2m and £995,000 respectively towards the cost of the phase two work, which will comprise further improvements to the front-of-house areas, renovation of the Grand Hall and the restoration of the Assembly Rooms.

The Assembly Rooms are to act as both a rehearsal and performance space for Opera's North's orchestra. They will also host a heritage learning programme to be developed by the theatre which will involve people of all ages, encouraging a greater appreciation and enjoyment of the building.

Coun John Procter, executive board member for leisure, said: "The renovations will both enhance the Grand Theatre's atmosphere for stage performances and provide excellent opportunities for heritage learning."

To celebrate the theatre's rebirth, Opera North premiered its new season with Verdi's Rigoletto on the opening night, which was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

The £23m phase one included two new rehearsal rooms as large as the stage; new computer-controlled facilities for moving scenery; a new passenger lift; new, wider seats in the stalls with improved sight lines; fully restored seating throughout other areas and more eco-friendly heating and air-cooling systems.

To follow on from the report above, the scaffolding is now up. Even though the work that's just starting is much less important than what took place during Phase 1, this phase will have a greater impact on New Briggate. Here's hoping that this and the Broadgate development manage to give this area a bit of a lift.



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/27%20Sept%202007/P1010149.jpg?t=1191000070

^^ nice, let's hope they get rid of the nasty concrete projection box attached to the roof of the Assembly Rooms. Two fantastic old projectors sat up there, or there was in 1992 when I did a Community Opera workshop with Opera North and had muchos fun exploring the Assembly Rooms. It will be a great space, and as aviator says, brilliant to have this rather ropey bit of New Briggate significantly smartened up!

Cool. Went to see Madama Butterfly when i was last up. The views were fantastic and the Grand seems to have retained that sense of faded-Victorian-grandeur-but-still-the-business-actually that you also find in the Central Library.

The Grand is the Catherine Deneuve of Leeds.

From what ive been told and shown i think the diea is to keep the concrete box on top of the assembly rooms as some form of store. Although i cant be entirely sure as i was shown so many plans at once i got a bit confused.

Grand Theatre Restoration
From Leeds Civic Trust

http://www.leedscivictrust.org.uk/images/Grand-facade.jpg



Maybe not?

The pictures are to be taken lightly, theres been a couple of minor adjustments. Looking at the plans again today yes the horrible box does look like its going, when i say changes its only things like signage that are changing but i know people on here can be very fussy about things like that.

The pictures are to be taken lightly, theres been a couple of minor adjustments. Looking at the plans again today yes the horrible box does look like its going, when i say changes its only things like signage that are changing but i know people on here can be very fussy about things like that.

welcome to the forum dkeeno1 - are you working on the site? Its a development close to quite a few of our hearts, but judging by the quality finish of the 1st phase in the auditorium, I have no fear that its going to be a superb exercise.

I hope they sand blast the facade, in a similar way to the restoration technique used on the Fforde Grene Pub

Hey,
Im not working on the site no, but one of my jobs is an ambassador to Opera North. Which means i have seen the plans and was around when they were discussing the whole project. Its a fantastic project for us as once complete the home company, Opera North, will be able to all meet under one roof instead of the orchestra being in another part of the city.

Project update: An old fire escape behind the assembly room entrance has been removed and an old footbridge enabling scaffolding to completely encase the assembly rooms entrance. This, as far as i understand, will encase the building and enable the removal of the concrete box. Inside the project is moving on prety quick, ill try and take some photos when i visit the site in the next couple of weeks. Also i think provisional tenants have been found for the empty units at the front of the theatre, however these are still to be confirmed, as there are strict controls onw aht goes there so the theatre frontage isnt ruined.

danny

Also thought id mention that the opera performance on Wednesday 7th November is being recorded for BBC Radio 3, we're getting quite a lot of attention from them at the moment!

thanks for the update dkeeno1, fantastic project for a development close to my heart.

You didn't know Jo Richardson who used to write the text for the Opera North programme did you? Was in Leeds Youth Opera with her many years back. Glad the concrete box is going - completely incongruously grafted onto the roof.

Jo Richardson doesnt ring a bell, sorry. Stefanie Kinge is a good friend of mine and i believe the current person who sorts out all the programme stuff for Opera North.

Sorry, folks, this isn't hot news; in fact, it went out on the City Council's website on 18 November. But I hadn't spotted it and I guess none of you culture-vulture forumers had either, so I think it's worth posting:


News Release

THEATRE WRAPPED UP IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

A Leeds theatre has been busy with its wrapping… on rather a larger scale than is usual in the run-up to Christmas!

The huge banner-style sheet which has been wrapped around the Leeds Grand Theatre is an eye-catching sight on New Briggate.

As Phase 2 of the theatre’s Transformation project continues apace, the wrap will serve the dual purpose of masking scaffolding from public view while also informing people about the work to restore it to its original Victorian glory.

It depicts stunning stills from shows performed at the theatre and an added bonus is that it can also be used for advertising, with profits ploughed back into the restoration project. The wrap also features a photographic reproduction of the original gothic theatre entrance.

Cllr John Procter, executive member for Leisure and chair of the Leeds Grand Theatre Board, said:
“Work is going very well on Phase 2 of this imaginative restoration, which will greatly enhance the front of house areas of this lovely old theatre and bring the integral Assembly Room back into full public use. We look forward to a very exciting future for Leeds Grand Theatre.”

The theatre remains open during this phase of the building work, which is expected to be completed in Autumn 2008. A packed programme of events takes place there over the coming year- including the world premiere of Northern Ballet’s Hamlet by David Nixon, featuring a new score by Philip Feeney.

There will also be performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Cats and Opera North’s The Adventures of Pinocchio, Peter Grimes and Madama Butterfly.

Since completion of Phase 1 of the restoration last year the theatre has experienced one of its best years for bookings. All previous sales records for a drama were broken by the National Theatre’s The History Boys, which grossed more than £180,000- nearly double the previous record for Play What I Wrote in 2004 at around £98,000.

Phase 1 included major improvements to the auditorium seating, air cooling and general audience experience, as well as improvements to performance areas and a new get-in lift to enable lorries to be lifted several stories from street level to unload props and scenery directly into the theatre.

Now Phase 2 will focus on restoration of the frontage of the building, entrance area and foyers. The Assembly Room is being refurbished and brought back into full public use, both as a rehearsal space for Opera North and for performance and educational purposes. Original access between the rooms and the theatre will be restored.

Leeds Grand Theatre has recently appointed a heritage learning officer to develop and deliver a learning programme around the history of the theatre, its architecture and social context within the city.

Funding for the £9.5m Phase 2 includes £2.15m from the Arts Council and a £995,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with £1.7m from Leeds City Council, which owns the theatre and the Assembly Room. The rest is coming from the Grand Theatre and Opera North, who are based there, and through the Transformation fund-raising campaign, which is nearing its £3.2m second-phase target.

I was in the Opera North offices the other day and realised that noone had comemtned on this one for a while. The old projection box that used to adorn the top of the theatre has now been completely removed and they are in the process of retiling that section. The work on the main facade is progressing well and the interior is also progressing nicely. The Grand Hall is meant to be ready for reopening in September/October time and i think the new section and entrance etc. is supposed to be following on shortly after that. I think the aim is still to have everything finished by christmas.
Also construction has started on the second glass bridge, this will link the second floor of the Opera North offices with the theatre, im not quite sure where its coming out in the theatre, it will not be as big as the bridge further back as will just be a pedestrian link.

Danny

I was in the Opera North offices the other day and realised that noone had comemtned on this one for a while. The old projection box that used to adorn the top of the theatre has now been completely removed and they are in the process of retiling that section. The work on the main facade is progressing well and the interior is also progressing nicely. The Grand Hall is meant to be ready for reopening in September/October time and i think the new section and entrance etc. is supposed to be following on shortly after that. I think the aim is still to have everything finished by christmas.
Also construction has started on the second glass bridge, this will link the second floor of the Opera North offices with the theatre, im not quite sure where its coming out in the theatre, it will not be as big as the bridge further back as will just be a pedestrian link.

Danny


I had a walk up here this lunchtime just to see what was what. Not that there was a lot to see, what with the scaffolding and the sheeting on top of that. All of this means that your updates are even more valuable.

There's just one question in my mind which I hope you may be able to answer. A while ago, the city council was marketing some or all of the retail space along the New Briggate frontage with a view to it becoming a bar, cafe or restaurant. Do you know if that's still the plan and if any operators might be sniffing around?

As far as im aware the council are still looking, i think theyve turned down a few proposals because they werent up to a high enough standard, they seem to be demanding top quality for this one. Im afraid i cant really be any more help though as im more involved in the theatre side of things.

As far as im aware the council are still looking, i think theyve turned down a few proposals because they werent up to a high enough standard, they seem to be demanding top quality for this one. Im afraid i cant really be any more help though as im more involved in the theatre side of things.


Thanks for responding so quickly. It's quite encouraging that the city council is prepared to hold out for something of a reasonable quality.

For the City Varieties actually. But in the planning applications today:

08/01119/LI/C Leeds Grand Theatre
and Opera House Ltd

Listed Building application for the
refurbishment of the City Varieties
Music Hall, including a new lift shaft
and modification to windows and
doors
Grid Ref: 430209433721
City Varieties Music
Hall
Swan Street
Leeds
LS1 6LW
Jacobs
1 City Walk
Leeds
LS11 9DX
City and Hunslet
27/02/08

I'm not sure if this activity relates to the Grand Theatre's restoration but New Briggate's been closed off and will remain so for two days.

The scene this morning:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20March%202008/14March2008032.jpg?t=1205677595



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20March%202008/14March2008033.jpg?t=1205677637



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20March%202008/14March2008034.jpg?t=1205677674



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20March%202008/14March2008035.jpg?t=1205677716

I'm not sure if this activity relates to the Grand Theatre's restoration but New Briggate's been closed off and will remain so for two days.




My mistake. This was to enable the reomval of one of the cranes at the Allders site.

It was a very large crane. look like about 500 ton capacity
Looks almost brand new as well !
Any photos of it fully erected Aviator ?

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o43/oootle/IMG_0039.jpg

:cheers1: Tom

Little bit of fly jib then to reach the crane, so thats why it was a large crane ;)

For the City Varieties actually. But in the planning applications today:

08/01119/LI/C Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House Ltd

Listed Building application for the refurbishment of the City Varieties Music Hall, including a new lift shaft and modification to windows and doors

Grid Ref: 430209433721

City Varieties Music Hall
Swan Street
Leeds
LS1 6LW




There's more news in today's YEP:


£9m City Varieties blueprint revealed


A detailed blueprint has been drawn up for the renovation of Leeds's City Varieties theatre. The plans, which have been submitted for debate, include proposals for restoring the auditorium, improving stage and backstage facilities and adding extra toilets.

The often-crowded foyer is to be made bigger, while a lift is also to be installed. The scheme has been valued at £9.2m, with Leeds City Council finding £5.2m.

A further £3m looks set to be donated by the Heritage Lottery Fund, while £1m is on the table from Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House Limited, subject to a local and national fundraising campaign.

More than 5,000 people signed a YEP campaign petition launched to secure lottery funding to help restore the Varieties, famous as the home of BBC TV's The Good Old Days, broadcast around the world for 30 years from 1953.
Coun John Procter, chairman of the Leeds Grand Theatre Board said: "The City Varieties plays an important part in Leeds's cultural history and it is an equally important part in our future. These plans take us a step closer in our quest to bring this jewel in the city's crown back to its former glory."

Work would be due to be complete by summer 2010. Council chiefs hope to use the refurbished building to teach people about Leeds's artistic history.

Anyone wanting to see the plans or the conservation report should visit the development enquiry centre, in the Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds, LS2 8HD.

Any photos of it fully erected Aviator ?:ohno:

If you work out how much has recently been spent or is about to be spent on the theatres of Leeds, I estimate it must be in the region of: £50 m (Grand restoration, City Varieties, Carriageworks Theatre, Northern Ballet development). Not a bad investment in our city's culture.

This project is now hugely behind schedule! The Grand Hall was meant to be back in operation in September this year, but will now not be back in operation till February. This delay is due to a problem when removing the old projection box, it was thought that this had just been slotted on and didnt effect the structure of the building, however once removed they found this was completely wrong and had to repair the roof before it all collapsed.
On the plus side negotiations are taking place with a restaurant operator to take the units fronting onto new briggate, this would be fantastic for pre or post show drinks, especially post show as the bars in the theatre shut after the interval. Think ive mentioned the main bits of info there.

Danny

Shame the rest of the road doesn't make a great impression!

Shame the rest of the road doesn't make a great impression!

I was just thinking that. I wouldn't care if they demolished the red-brick section of New Briggate tomorrow, it's a vile-looking street.

It's not the buildings that bring the area down, its the cheap take-aways that do. Get rid of those and you have a pretty attractive street. Hopefully the new Grand will improve the area and eventually get some nice attractive shops moving in.

I'm pretty sure it'll change when Eastgate opens; similar to how Briggate/Vicar Lane changed as a result of the opening of the VQ.

I was just thinking that. I wouldn't care if they demolished the red-brick section of New Briggate tomorrow, it's a vile-looking street.

It's not often that I disagree with you Di Livio but I'm totally with Tom. The buildings are very pleasant indeed, they just need a spruce up and some decent tenants.

It's not the buildings that bring the area down, its the cheap take-aways that do. Get rid of those and you have a pretty attractive street. Hopefully the new Grand will improve the area and eventually get some nice attractive shops moving in.

Well such takeaways would have to go somewhere of course although it is apparent that New Briggate is certainly a take away alley at present.

However I see your point that New Briggate should certainly be improved especially as it could potentially become a new independent / quirky retail area for the top end of the city centre in conjunction with the Grand Arcade perhaps building on some of the bars which are there such as Sardinista, North Bar and Sela. It would surely be a good way of revitalising this street.

Also could buses be moved onto upper Vicar Lane (which could be made two way as opposed to one way) so that this street could be narrowed to become an access route only to encourage more footfall on New Briggate then at present (although works to rearrange the junction of Vicar Lane with the Inner Ring Road, North Street and New Briggate / Merrion Street would need to be made).

The scaffolding's now coming down and you can see glimpses of what lies beneath. I've copied one or two shots from earlier in the thread to provide a comparison.

For example, this one, posted by Jimbo, shows the projection box that was added to the tower over the Assembly Rooms


http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/3135/img03208mo.jpg


Now with the projection box remover and the tiles and leadwork renewed


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/17%20August%202008/b6fcce61.jpg



Then an old pic that di Livio posted when he was commenting on the theatre's grubbiness:


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/20/20041210_42463320.jpg


Despite the scaffolding, you can see clearly how much cleaner the brickwork is:


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/17%20August%202008/273e5e8e.jpg


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/17%20August%202008/e302b962.jpg



Finally, a shot of the incomplete bridge from the theatre to Opera North's offices on the other side of Harrison Street:


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/17%20August%202008/d70d4c8c.jpg

^^ great update - so fantastic that the old Assembly Rooms have finally been given the respect they deserve. Get in there when they open - it's a lovely space. Reminds of somewhere like the Ritz dining room..... a string quartet wouldn't be out of place.

It's going to be a small music / jazz venue no?

No being the correct word there, the Assembly Rooms are going to be uswed by Opera North, inparticular the Orchestra. There will be other events put on there as well, to benefit the puiblic, but its primary use is for Opera North.

well, I thought it was going to be public space. buggeration!

well, I thought it was going to be public space. buggeration!

I'm pretty sure there are going to public performances in there.

If you look closely at what i put i said there will be performances in there, just not all the time. Its primary role is for opera North, there will be performanes in there though and lots of education and outreach stuff, the final discussions as to finalised plans for performances etc. are still being discussed.

If you look closely at what i put i said there will be performances in there, just not all the time. Its primary role is for opera North, there will be performanes in there though and lots of education and outreach stuff, the final discussions as to finalised plans for performances etc. are still being discussed.

Righto, that's pretty much how I'd thought it was going to be - your last post made it seem a bit more of a closed shop though!

^^ well, we're all happy then, or mildly satisfied anyway.

The theatre's emerging from its scaffolding looking very spruce indeed. I particularly liked the restoration work that's been done to the entrance to the assembly rooms. That doorway has been an eyesore for donkey's years.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20September%202008/21September2008085.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20September%202008/21September2008084.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20September%202008/21September2008086.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20September%202008/21September2008087.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20September%202008/21September2008088.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20September%202008/21September2008083.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20September%202008/21September2008082.jpg

Anyone know if all the doorways will be in use nowadays?
Also suprises me there is no 'Grand Theatre' signage on that huge tall new bit near the back - you can see that from all over...

Id forgotten how impressive it was. The road infront really needs sorting out though. Even just a simple resurfacing would do the streetscape wonders. I don't think the carriageway needs to be as wide as it is either.

Well, they get everything else.

Never mind the supercasino: Manchester may get its own Royal Opera outpost
Charlotte Higgins The Guardian

Culture secretary Andy Burnham, speaking at a fringe event at the Labour party conference, has let slip that he's very excited about the idea of the Royal Opera House coming to Manchester.

It's an open secret that Tony Hall, chief executive of the ROH, and Howard Bernstein, CEO of Manchester city council, are talking about bringing Covent Garden to the city. But it's interesting to hear that Burnham - MP for Leigh, just west of Manchester - has publicly declared his enthusiasm for the notion. He is a fan of national institutions having a presence beyond the south-east, and at the same event he spoke warmly of both Tate Liverpool and the Imperial War Museum's outpost at Trafford.

The idea of the Royal Opera House expanding to the north-west gained ground after the government blocked Manchester's proposed supercasino. An opera house could, it was thought, become an alternative route to urban regeneration. It is now at the feasibility-study stage, and a report is due to land on desks in government in November.

A number of options have been looked at. According to Hall: "It could be that we work in education, training and skills; it could mean that we have a base in an existing theatre; it could mean building a new theatre." Burnham, he says, "has been amazingly supportive."

Insiders reckon the coming recession makes the building of a grand new opera house unlikely. There are also fears that the Royal Opera might disrupt the delicate ecology of touring opera in the region, stealing audiences from Glyndebourne Touring Opera in Stoke and Opera North in Salford and Leeds.

· Should the Royal Opera House come to Manchester? Have your say at guardian.co.uk/charlottehiggins

Sat here trying not to let the anger boil over into a fit of rage after reading that... Time and time again!...

Meh meh meh

I'd reply with some form of comment on you just threw your toy out of your pram near Salford, but I'm above that, and a little bit drunk.

I agree the problem is the local council though, we have one of the largest brewerys in the country just outside the city centre and it's guaranteed they wouldn't be able to arrange a piss-up there.

I'm also a little bit drunk my friend, and am using my annoying experiences of working with the city centre Leeds public for the past 4 years as a level to make my gripes.

Perhaps I should delete it. I think I may. I believe what I've said given my experience over this time, but granted, the whole thing comes across as gross inflammatory ranting.

I accept your point, to a degree.

I'm sorry to drone on about this but I think it's a joy to see the way that decayed or lost details are being restored to the building:


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20September%202008/21September2008099.jpg




http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/21%20September%202008/21September2008100.jpg

Beautiful, just beautiful :drool:

mantle, with aplomb!

More pictures of the slow unveiling of the theatre. I'm a bit surprised to see that there's been no work done on the shopfronts but I'm hoping that this gets done once the scaffolding is all taken down.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20October%202008/5October2008078.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20October%202008/5October2008080.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20October%202008/5October2008079.jpg

I've got a ticket to see The Mighty Boosh there soon :D

I've got a ticket to see The Mighty Boosh there soon :D

Oh!:ohno:

But! on the upside you will get to see the Grand in all its glory! :lol::lol:

Oh!:ohno:

I actually completely agree with that statement. I watched the pilot episode of "Tundra" on BBC2 in 2005 and it was brilliant. Essentially the perfect story-based comedy show. If I'd seen the Boosh live back then it would have been great. Nowadays they're followed around by screaming 15 year old girls who haven't even seen the first series. I'm not going to buy their book and I don't want their autographs. I bought their My friend had a spare ticket that I payed £10 for (down from £60 or something ridiculous) so it'll be more of a social thing with friends than a good comedy night out. Don't get me wrong, they're extremely funny, but they're going so downhill with all this fame.

It'll be a good chance to have a look inside the Grand Theatre :banana:

I actually completely agree with that statement. I watched the pilot episode of "Tundra" on BBC2 in 2005 and it was brilliant. Essentially the perfect story-based comedy show. If I'd seen the Boosh live back then it would have been great. Nowadays they're followed around by screaming 15 year old girls who haven't even seen the first series. I'm not going to buy their book and I don't want their autographs. I bought their My friend had a spare ticket that I payed £10 for (down from £60 or something ridiculous) so it'll be more of a social thing with friends than a good comedy night out. Don't get me wrong, they're extremely funny, but they're going so downhill with all this fame.

It'll be a good chance to have a look inside the Grand Theatre :banana:

Sadly, most good things get ruined by the hype, the last 'odd' good comedy show not to be ruined by it was League of Gentlemen IMHO!!!

If there are any opportunities for pics get 'em up here please mate! :)

Of course! I can sneak a camera in no problem! I'm not sure when the date is though - I presume it's before Christmas!

There have been no internal alterations to the main theatre itself in this phase, other than the removal of some asbestos. You shouldnt be able to access the assembly rooms from the public parts of the theatre to get pics of that.

The scaffolding and boards have been taken down from around the building, looks good.. no improvement to the shops though.. hopefully they will sort them soon..

The street around the Grand Theatre is pretty crap. People you wouldn't like your Grandma to meet clog up the pavements waiting for their buses.

New Briggate is a tacky street that needs work. Resurfacing would be a start, but the road is wider than it needs to be I think.

As long as they don't replace Dixie Chicken.

In fact, it ought to be extended over several units, so as to reflect the deliciousness of the product

I used to get my bus from New Briggate.. What you trying to say, ay.. ;)

Its not neccesarily those shops I mean but the ones directly under The Grand (ZamZam, Mobiles 4u? etc) that were there before have been left untouched, I thought they were going to develop these into bars?

As far as the width of the road goes.. if you've ever been down at 3am to get a taxi you'll know how ridiculously busy it is, so I don't think decreasing the width would be a good idea..

No, after waiting 10 minutes in queues whilst in a taxi a couple of weeks ago the last thing that street needs is to have it's width decreased.
There's something about that street though, it's kind of intimidating walking down it at night. It attracts loads of homeless people that hang around outside Zam Zam's buggin you for change. I've seen them get abusive on a couple of occasions.
The pavement outside Gatecrasher is pretty much cut off and you can barely walk down it without having some twat dressed up in there pyjamas or a burglar outfit bumping into you.

a) Needs better lighting; compare it to Briggate which bathes in light at night
b) Bus stops should be developed into one bus point like on Infirmary Street or Boar Lane.
c) The Grand should have bars under it as you say, not the small units that are there now.
d) The problem of it being crowded with taxis is part of a larger problem of not having enough night buses in Leeds; but considering hardly any buses run at night, why not move taxi points (between say 2300 and 0600) to places like Westgate and Eastgate where there is plenty of room for lots of taxis and still a lane for other traffic. Cookridge Street is wide enough to accomodate a taxi point too.
e) Dixie Chicken makes me feel sick.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8544/img03237iv.jpg

If you look carefully it shows in this that the base of The Grand is to be developed.. hope its sooner rather than later..

I don't think I would like the bus stops to be merged into one larger bus point. The bus points in Leeds look disgusting. I think it is far worse if all the 'intimidating' folk are grouped together rather than spread out, point in case Vicar Lane and Boar Lane bus stations. During the day they are full of chavs and during the night full of tramps, they are always littered and not a very nice places to walk through. Sends the wrong image of Leeds.

I definitely agree with your point about night buses, Leeds needs far more night services. Instead of just to Headingly, which is mainly used by students, it would be nice if us locals could have night services to our postcodes instead of having to fork out £15 for a taxi. Personally I think that taxi ranks on New briggate are an ideal place as on a night it is full of people wanting to get home after getting food. Even if the taxi ranks were moved I think that this street would still get rammed with cabs because of the number of people there on a night its the perfect place for cabbies to get fares.

And as far as Dixy chicken goes, its not too bad after a night out.. much prefer going to Greggs to get a couple of pasties though.. :colgate:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/highlights/32m-transformation-completes-Leeds-Grand.4726753.jp

The area could definantly do with sprucing up

New Briggate is a tacky street that needs work. Resurfacing would be a start, but the road is wider than it needs to be I think.

New Briggate is one of the most exciting parts of the city in my opinion. It's lively and has a huge variety of different shops on it, the Opera House, the art gallery at 42, and some of the best bars in the city on New Briggate and just around the corner on Merrion Street. The place has character!

I know but its shabby and poorly lit at night.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/30%20November%202008/30November2008045.jpg

^^ Just beautiful! I assume that the shop units will be renovated in the near future with the original frontages being retained? I noticed the stained glass windows in the shop units for the first time the other week, they will be a stunning detail when restored.

They've certainly done a fine job with the Grand. I've been to a couple of productions there recently and it really is a huge asset for Leeds.
The RSC are doing The Tempest with Anthony Sher as Prospero in April if anyone's interested. It's a touring production so it's only on at The Grand for a few days.

Thats quality. Will be even better when the shop units get renovated......is that the plan?

Saw the mighty boosh here last night... but enough about that. The Grand Theatre was lit up really nicely at night and the interior was old fashioned but really classy with it's dark red carpets and lovely Victorian decorations (just think of this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sovietuk/176639315/sizes/l/)with a solid roof).

There was plenty of legroom but I'll have to quote Noel Fielding here: "you guys are f***ed if there's a fire!" because of the lack of walkways in between seats meaning getting out of the place took about ten minutes. I was sitting on the bottom tier of seats but there were 4 balconies above meaning a huge number of people could see the show despite the relatively small floor space.

All in all, quality venue unless there's a fire. And sorry, no photography was allowed :(

Saw the mighty boosh here last night... but enough about that. The Grand Theatre was lit up really nicely at night and the interior was old fashioned but really classy with it's dark red carpets and lovely Victorian decorations (just think of this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sovietuk/176639315/sizes/l/)with a solid roof).

There was plenty of legroom but I'll have to quote Noel Fielding here: "you guys are f***ed if there's a fire!" because of the lack of walkways in between seats meaning getting out of the place took about ten minutes. I was sitting on the bottom tier of seats but there were 4 balconies above meaning a huge number of people could see the show despite the relatively small floor space.

All in all, quality venue unless there's a fire. And sorry, no photography was allowed :(

Ha - I saw the queue at Waterstones for their book signing yesterday. When I walked by in the morning towards work, the queue was up to the Barclays bank on Albion Street. By the time I went by at Lunchtime, the queue was down towards Next.

I saw that, they were all dressed up in wierd costumes etc!

There has been a few popular book signings in leeds of late, saw the queue for gordon ramsey the other week that went round the block and nearly came back on its self!

Sorry I just don't get the Mighty Boosh, must be a generation thing.

I'm 22 and I don't get the Mighty Boosh either. Still more understandable than the League of Gentlemen though - that's just plain weird!

Well I'm no spring chicken but I've quite enjoyed the Mighty Boosh on occasion. I've only ever seen it a few times though - I suspect if I watched it more I'd either understand more of it (because of the catch-phrases and recurring characters) or perhaps become bored because it's so repetitive. It looks like the kind of thing that splits an audience.

Found some pics of the book signing on Flickr...

By James W Bell:
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u7/Electric_City_photos/MightyBooshLeedsQ1.jpg

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u7/Electric_City_photos/MightyBooshLeedsQ2.jpg

By spitfire1989:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/3100239172_5dab64856a.jpg?v=0

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturecritics/rupertchristiansen/4209226/Opera-North-unveils-its-new-venue---the-Howard-Assembly-Room---at-the-Grand-Theatre-in-Leeds.html..

That looks great - and some of the upcoming stuff looks good too.

Report on BBC Look North about the new Howard Assembly Room: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7824501.stm

It looks very nice and is presumably a great change from the former Plaza Cinema. Out of interest has there been any work to redo the ground floor retail units which lie under the Howard Assembly Room / Grand Theatre as I haven't walked past there lately.

^^ wonderful, can't wait to get in and see it in its glory!

...It looks very nice and is presumably a great change from the former Plaza Cinema....


Indeed it does :)


http://www.musolife.com/assets/_files/cached/img/400x206/dec_08/muso__1230038199_howard-assembly-room.jpg?access=3414T775

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Leeds-Grand-Theatre-commended-in.6162807.jp
Leeds Grand Theatre commended in Civic Trust honours
18 March 2010

The multi-million pound restoration of the historic Grand Theatre in Leeds has been recognised in the prestigious national Civic Trust awards.

The scheme, by BDP architects, received a commendation at a ceremony at St George's Hall in Liverpool.

And there was also a commendation for another of the company's projects, the conversion of Navigation Warehouse, a grade two-listed grain warehouse on Wakefield's waterfront, into offices.

Leeds Grand Theatre, right, a grade two* listed building, was designed by George Corson and built in 1878.

Restoration of the theatre to its Victorian glory cost more than £30m and was carried out in two phases.

The stalls area was re-seated and re-raked, the orchestra-pit enlarged, air-conditioning, installed and backstage technical facilities improved.

A bridge links the theatre with Opera North's rehearsal facilities and offices.

Further structural improvements and the restoration of the Assembly Rooms were included in the second phase.

Commendations are given to projects judged to "have demonstrated a significant contribution to the quality and appearance of the environment and to have a positive impact on the community".

Civic Trust Awards managing director Malcolm Hankey said: "We were delighted to see such a diverse range of projects submitted for consideration.

"The Civic Trust Awards celebrate not only design excellence, but also the relationship between structures, places, the environment and local communities.

"This year's group of winners successfully illustrate how this relationship can produce effective and imaginative solutions."

Also commended was the refurbishment of the Royal Hall in Harrogate described as "an exemplar restoration which has become a symbol of community pride and endeavour supported by the public, local access groups and restoration trust."

Hull Truck Theatre in Hull picked up a special award.

It was judged to be "an aspirational new theatre incorporating education facilities for the local community and professionals. With a very high standard of inclusive design, the building is welcoming, open and accessible to all."