Lowry Building & Civil Engineering (LBCE) were appointed as main contractor to deliver the £1m+ refurbishment of the Market Place Theatre, Armagh venue and its facilities to improve the visitor experience.
The works took place in two open bar areas, two workshops, WCs, the box office area, the theatre control rooms and included construction of a new lobby. The theatre remained live throughout and as so the project was divided into three phases to ensure the venue remained functional and the public were safe (although COVID-19 had an impact on this).
In terms of building works, the foyer area of the theatre was upgraded throughout, with a new box office, multi-purpose reception area and open terrace. Some of the key facilities within the venue were upgraded.
These included a new contemporary bar, refurbished bathroom facilities, and state-of-the-art workshop and conference rooms.
Like any job, there are always unforeseen challenges that can appear, as Graham Baskin, Contracts Manager explained, “In Market Place Theatre, the project itself was fairly complex in terms of site access simply because of the location being in a busy city centre environment. Covid-19 was another major challenge as restrictions were implemented right in the middle of the construction period. We worked collaboratively with the client and our supply chain to ensure delivery of the new venue, with the safety of our team as a priority.
The programme was extended slightly due to social distancing of trades and other Covid-19 measures, but we successfully handed over a high quality build in spite of these hurdles.”
Quality installations
Specialist stretch lighting in workshops and track lighting to the perimeter of the bar areas was installed due to the nature of the venue and the high spec requested by the client, delivered to a T by MAC Electrics.
Commenting on the project, Jemma Lowry, Business Development, said. “With the challenges of a live theatre environment and public interaction, being able to handle these challenges effectively and efficiently without causing any disruption to the works was certainly satisfying.
“Completing a project of this bespoke nature and size, all the while ensuring that the theatre is still operational and that there is minimal disruption to the visitor experience definitely makes it stand out in our project portfolio.
“We enjoyed working with both the client and sub-contractors on the project, and developed a close relationship with both during the construction period. This made overcoming the challenges easier, as we worked collaboratively as a team to successfully deliver the scheme on time, to budget and a high quality standard.
Graham added, “Reconfiguring the programme to complete works when faced with Covid-19 restrictions was difficult. However, LBCE, all subcontractors and the client recognised the importance of staff safety and welfare and we worked together to stagger trades, social distance operatives and still hand over a quality product.”
PROJECT TEAM
Client: Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
Main Contractor: Lowry Building & Civil Engineering
Architects: Hamilton Architects
Project Manager: Faithful & Gould
Mechanical Contractor: Anderson Mechanical
Electrical Contractor: MAC Electrics
Lowry Building & Civil Engineering,
The Old Bank, 7 John Street, Castlederg BT81 7AW
T: +44 (0)28 8167 8646
www.lowrybuilding.co.uk
SUB-CONTRACTORS
Faithful+Gould was appointed as lead consultant and appointed the full project design team for the refurbishment and improvement works at Market Place Theatre, Armagh.
Using its experienced and professional team, Faithful+Gould delivered the core Project Management, Principal Designer and Cost Management services. The company was initially engaged to support with the development of the client’s business case and feasibility report to enhance the existing services and facilities offered at the Market Place Theatre. This appointment was extended to develop the design and to manage the entire project through to completion.
Faithful+Gould engaged its design team – Hamilton Architects, Williams+Shaw M&E and Atkins structural engineers – to successfully deliver this project. Throughout the life of the project the team worked closely with the client and the Market Place Theatre delivery team.
Faithful+Gould is a member of the SNC Lavalin Group and is one of the world’s largest and leading consultancies.
Commenting on the venture Keith Scott (Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council) said, “We have provided a project that will enhance the customer experience at the Market Place Theatre for a diverse audience, making the spaces within the building feel welcoming and comfortable for many years to come.
“Throughout this undertaking the design and contractor teams have worked collaboratively to ensure the successful delivery of this iconic project, notwithstanding the challenges faced during the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are proud to be associated with this landmark building in the centre of historic Armagh City and to work with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on this and other similar projects.”
T: +44 (0)28 9089 5870
www.fgould.com
A major tourist and cultural destination such as Armagh’s Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre needs to make an dramatic aesthetic statement; enter stage left – Bann Architectural Systems.
The Banbridge-based architectural glazing specialists fabricated and installed the entire front foyer and door screens, which has created a visually stunning new entrance to Armagh’s much-loved theatre and arts complex. Work was completed on time, allowing the other design teams to complete their own scope of works.
The company has been operating since 2010 and has experience working across a variety of sectors throughout Northern Ireland.
Bann Architectural Systems’ experienced and knowledgeable staff are well equipped to deal with any and all challenges that may crop up on a project. “We were delighted to be involved on this project. There were some very specific requirements such as the bespoke curtain walling system, but nothing we haven’t encountered before. We’re proud to have worked on such a prestigious project,” said Kyle Bowman, Director at Bann Architectural Systems.
T: +44 (0)28 9269 8855
www.bannarchitectural.co.uk
With extensive experience on a diverse range of construction projects, D. Roulston & Sons were perfectly skilled to carry out all the interior painting work at Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh.
Based in Co. Tyrone, D. Roulston & Sons is a family-run painting and small building maintenance works; they also carry out fire protection works. They’re renowned for good quality workmanship, a loyal, friendly and hardworking staff who always go the extra mile to get all deadlines met.
Commenting, Dessie Roulston said, “We were very pleased to work on this project which will showcase our services to a vast number of visitors.”
D. Roulston & Sons have an excellent working relationship with the contractor, Lowry Building & Civil Engineering Ltd. “I began my working career back in the 1960s with Lowry’s,” said Dessie. “I started as a joiner then served my time as a painter.
“We have always had a very good working relationship with Lowry’s and this job was no different.”
D. Roulston & Sons
T: +44 (0)28 8167 9250
