Storyhouse, Chester

This highly complex project for Cheshire West and Chester Council, including the listed restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II-listed cinema building and part new build, creates a sustainable world-class new arts complex where theatre, film and library services co-exist under one roof. Partly funded by the Arts Council fund for England, it was the UK’s largest regional arts project and biggest capital development in Chester for 50 years. The project includes a new building containing a revolutionary adaptable 500-800 seat theatre and thrust stage able to transform itself from a summer festival stage into a winter touring proscenium house and a new 100-seat studio venue located above the theatre. Inside the old cinema auditorium the complex includes a new 94 seat ‘boutique’ cinema, restaurant, bar, cafe and the city’s relocated library.

It is housed in the remodelled 1936 Odeon Cinema, a grade-II-listed building, together with a newly built extension to hold the theatre auditorium.

“One of the most exciting projects in England at the moment… A powerful, modern, forward-thinking vision.”

Sir Peter Bazalgette – Chairman, Arts Council

Awards Won & Acknowledgements Include:

RIBA National Awards 2018
The Civic Trust Award,
Building Award,
Highly commended at the RICS awards