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Posted: 10/1/10 at 3:24am
Lambeth Council has awarded planning permission to the National Theatre for a major overhaul of its South Bank home.
Consent for the £70 million scheme, which has been designed by Haworth Tomkins, was given at a council planning meeting yesterday (Thur) evening.
The project, which is called NT Future, is intended to “open up” the Grade II* listed venue, which was originally designed by Denys Lasdun in 1976.
This will include creating a new education and participation space, refurbishing the Cottesloe auditorium and increasing its capacity, as well creating new production facilities, refurbishing foyers and external areas and opening up the front of the building to passing trade.
NT executive director Nick Starr commented: “We warmly welcome Lambeth Council’s decision to grant planning consent for the NT Future project, which is a critical hurdle in its realisation. The scheme is both sensitive and transformational; Haworth Tompkins’ designs display deep respect for Denys Lasdun’s building while being informed by several generations of theatremaking artists. It is true to the National Theatre’s founding spirit as a popular institution, as exemplified by our Travelex £10 Tickets, live broadcasts to cinemas and Sunday openings, and furthers our constant aim to be as welcoming and accessible as possible.
“Fundraising will now begin in earnest. It is a challenging time to raise money, but we believe that the combination of our commitment to the National Theatre’s future and the generosity and the vision of our supporters, will enable this vital project to proceed.”
Consent for the £70 million scheme, which has been designed by Haworth Tomkins, was given at a council planning meeting yesterday (Thur) evening.
The project, which is called NT Future, is intended to “open up” the Grade II* listed venue, which was originally designed by Denys Lasdun in 1976.
This will include creating a new education and participation space, refurbishing the Cottesloe auditorium and increasing its capacity, as well creating new production facilities, refurbishing foyers and external areas and opening up the front of the building to passing trade.
NT executive director Nick Starr commented: “We warmly welcome Lambeth Council’s decision to grant planning consent for the NT Future project, which is a critical hurdle in its realisation. The scheme is both sensitive and transformational; Haworth Tompkins’ designs display deep respect for Denys Lasdun’s building while being informed by several generations of theatremaking artists. It is true to the National Theatre’s founding spirit as a popular institution, as exemplified by our Travelex £10 Tickets, live broadcasts to cinemas and Sunday openings, and furthers our constant aim to be as welcoming and accessible as possible.
“Fundraising will now begin in earnest. It is a challenging time to raise money, but we believe that the combination of our commitment to the National Theatre’s future and the generosity and the vision of our supporters, will enable this vital project to proceed.”
Updated On: 10/1/10 at 03:24 AM
