New, future-proofed roofs and electrical systems

Full rewiring of cabling as components reached the end of their life, including updates to PAVA, fire alarm, lift power and access systems.

The project is split into two parts; rewiring electrical systems no longer serving the theatre, ensuring compliance with government regulations, and reroofing the Lyttleton and Olivier theatres, improving their resilience against harsh weather, involving the fitting of new rainwater drainage systems and insulation.

At 2450 seats the theatre is a hot spot for tourists unfamiliar with their environment, therefore new, compliant PAVA and CCTV systems have been mapped alongside replacement lifts to increase the resilience and capacity for safe evacuation and the security of the building. Other works include removing redundant electrical systems, enlarging cable distribution routes sized for a degree of future proofing and enhancing the maintainability cabling, equipment and distribution boards.

New lighting design will be sympathetic to the architecture and will reuse existing positions to minimise impact on the infrastructure. More efficient fixtures, and new controls will support the theatre’s goal of reducing energy consumption.

By calculating maximum rainfall and assessing different downpipe and gutter capacities, Skelly and Couch ensured the proposed roof designs would endure a 1 in 100-year storm event, safeguarding this Grade II* listed building. Additionally, upgrades to the thermal performance of the Olivier and Lyttleton roofs were investigated using modelling software and results informed decisions on potential structure build ups aimed at optimising carbon payback, limiting heat losses and maintaining the building height to preserve the Southbank’s landmark skyline.

Careful phasing has allowed the theatre to remain open to the public with fully operational systems.

These improvements check off milestones to the Theatre’s goal of reaching net zero carbon.