King’s Theatre, Edinburgh

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh

Client: The City of Edinburgh Council
Architect: Smith Scott Mullan
Cost: £5.0m

The first phase of the major refurbishment was completed in 2012.  The theatre, constructed in 1906, is a category A listed landmark in Edinburgh and required a sympathetic approach to maintain the feel of the building whilst bringing it up to date in terms of visitor experience.  We have known the building for many years and were involved in both feasibility studies carried out.

This phase of the works included extensive external stone, roof and window repairs to maintain the fabric of the building.  Internally the visitor experience was enhanced by the creation of a new box office which welcomes the customer into a bright and contemporary space.  The remodelling of the box office along with the provision of lifts within the building upgraded the access provided for disabled visitors.

Internally to the auditorium new seating was provided as well as enhanced handrails and guardrails to comply with health and safety legislation, whilst maintaining the aesthetic of the 1906 auditorium design.

The work that Will Rudd Davidson undertook on the building was recognised in an article by the American Society of Civil Engineers magazine “Civil Engineering”.

 Images © Michael Wolchover Photography