BRINGING OUR PROJECT TO LIFE
Our project is about improving the customer experience, and in effect, the reputation of our theatre by replacing our very old and uncomfortable flat floor individual seating with a modern retractable tiered system.
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The aim of this page is to give you some detail about the project whilst also providing some insight into the other work we have done.
THE CURRENT SITUATION
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The current seating can be seen in the pictures on the right.
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These chairs are very old and uncomfortable and often the source of negative customer feedback. Many of them have damage including ripped fabric; scratched and scruffy metalwork; unstable; or simply the cushioning is so worn down that it doesn't provide any comfort
First we asked what big development or improvement they would like to see next at The Institute.
This proved to us that the seating is a critical issue within our audience base
What our customers and community are saying
We recently carried out a survey with our local community.
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Next we asked 2 questions specifically
about potential new seating
Would you like us to replace the current seating with new
flat floor seating or tiered seating?
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Would you prefer live music events were seated, standing
or the option of both (something only available with tiered seating)
We also asked for general feedback regarding the current seating and any improvements the community would like to see
You can see a selection of the responses below
OUR PROJECT
We aim to install a new tiered, retractable seating system along with 6 rows of flat floor matrix seating.
This will be provided by Auditoria Services
Being able to retract the seats is vital for the accessibility and adaptability of our venue and ensures it can still be used as a multi-functional hall.
What our customers and community are saying
We recently carried out a survey with our local community.
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The Institute
tiered seating installation
Here you can see the project plan created by Auditoria Services
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This plan gives us 14 rows of tiered retractable seating and 6 rows of flat floor matrix seating. This means we can provide different seating arrangements for events resulting in the following capacities:
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Seated - 260
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Seated and standing - 300
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Standing - 400
Being able to offer a mixed standing and seating option will be hugely beneficial to us. It increases the capacity of our venue, which up to now has limited our programming, whilst still offering seating for older audience members, those with mobility restrictions or with a preference to sit. This is something that is of high importance to our customers
THE BROADER PICTURE
Please watch the video below for some more information on our wider restoration project
Renovations completed so far...
The Main Hall
THEATRE BAR
Entrance Hallway
DANCE STUDIO
WHAT ELSE HAVE WE DONE?
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Completed detailed fire risk assessment and implemented advice
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Electrical safety certificates
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Carried out improvement works on plumbing
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Repairs to toilet facilities
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Built new website
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Installed new PA system in main hall
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Installed and improved the theatre lighting
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Redecorated dressing rooms
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Completed legionella risk assessment
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Multiple repairs and improvements to electrical safety
WHAT ELSE DO WE HAVE PLANNED?
There are many other things we are working on as well in addition to replacing the seating. Some of these include:
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Building a new outdoor space which will also provide accessible access to the bar and new outdoor space
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Full renovation of disabled toilet
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Renovation of separate warehouse building to create a tech store and office as well as more spaces available to hire by the local community
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Re-fencing the car park
What our customers and community are saying
We recently carried out a survey with our local community.
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