Engineer will work with Ian Ritchie Architects on project
WSP has been appointed by the Royal Academy of Music, the second-oldest music academy in the world, for a major redevelopment of its opera theatre at its Regent鈥檚 Park campus.
WSP will provide structural engineering services and work alongside Ian Ritchie Architects on the Royal Academy of Music Theatre.
The current theatre opened in 1976 and seats 230 people. As part of the redevelopment the theatre will have an enlarged balcony to increase seating by 40%, a new rooftop recital hall, and adjacent areas suitable for entertaining guests before performances.
The theatre will also benefit from improved seating, full accessibility and an enlarged orchestra pit to create more space for instrumental performers. A quieter air-conditioning system will also be installed.
Professor Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, principal of the Academy, said: 鈥淭his superb new design delivers state-of-the-art stage and recording facilities in an adaptable theatre suitable for all forms of classical and contemporary opera and musical theatre productions鈥�.
Bill Price, WSP director, said: 鈥淭his is a great opportunity to improve an important theatre by bringing it up to the high standards that the Academy expects.
鈥淲hen finished there will be more space for more people to enjoy the great performances put on by students.
鈥淚n particular, the improvements we are making to the orchestral pit will enhance the auditorium鈥檚 acoustics as more of the enlarged pit will be uncovered.鈥�
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