Beyond the Facade

Client

Leeds Heritage Theatres

Project Status

Ongoing

Building Grade

Grade II*

Project Outline

The Beyond the Façade project, is part of the 25 Year Masterplan for the Grand Theatre in Leeds.

The roof and turrets above the Howard Grand Hall have been prioritised for repair, due to the condition. In addition to these works, the team will take the opportunity to re-design and bring some sparkle back into the Howard Grand Hall bar, to enable it to be a focus for commercial activities for the theatre and to really reflect the heritage and history of the theatre. The staff will also be given newly designed spaces in their current back of house office area, to enable a more physically transparent and welcoming working environment, whist also addressing the needs of each team.

Project Mandate

Fellstone were appointed in June 2025 to deliver this project from inception through to completion. The scope has included helping LHT with their Governance structures, developing the procurement strategies and requirements for the team, managing the design team, reporting and managing the project budget, risk management and managing the programme, along with guiding and assisting the team in working within a live environment.

Facing Challenges, Delivering Results

The Theatre group are a joy to work with, their passion and enthusiasm shine through their approach to the project and their connections with the buildings.

The Howard Grand Hall sits above the main entrance to the theatre, therefore the challenges which we’re preparing for include working within a live environment, to enable visitors and staff to come into the theatre and enjoy being entertained, whilst delivering the works above them. This involves detailed planning and talking to theatre staff – front of house, commercial and their building/ estates teams, so that we can best understand their needs and the needs of their audience. We learn from their best practice and help by bringing new ideas to enable a collaborative approach where everyone feels valued and owning the process.

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