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Bristol Old Vic Refurbishment - Engineering Services

A Grade I listed building, the Bristol Old Vic, is the UK¡¯s oldest working theatre and publicly funded by Arts Council England and Bristol City Council. Built on reclaimed land, the theatre originally opened in 1766 but underwent a rebuild in the 1970s with extensive concrete framed additions built on piled foundations. By the 2010s, there was a need to reconfigure and enhance the audience¡¯s experience at the Old Vic and completely overhaul and remodel the stage systems and ancillary spaces. We were part of the team engaged to help.

This project required structural alterations and a remodelling of the layout of both the original Georgian auditorium and the 1970s structural additions. Among the key challenges facing the team were limited records on the additions, a severely restricted site entry that prevented direct access for heavy equipment, and the fact that the theatre had to remain open and functional throughout all works.

Due to the limited availability of structural record information, we were able to deduce where piles were located but not what their design loadings were. Therefore, we carried out extensive structural modelling of the entire concrete frame to calculate existing pile loads, then modelled the alterations and worked closely with the architect to design a scheme that did not cause an increase in pile loads. This meant all structural alterations could be carried out without requiring any new piled foundations.

Throughout the design process, we treated the fabric of this historic building with respect, limiting intrusions and making them reversible where possible. Careful structural engineering reduced the need for complex temporary works during construction.

The redevelopment of the Bristol Old Vic delivered a pioneering 21st century theatre in Bristol¡¯s buzzing city centre that respects its long history.