Work starts on Hyde Park Picture House transformation
The redevelopment of The Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds is underway. As the UK's last operational gas-lit cinema, this is a significant project for the national arts and culture sector. In 2019 it was granted £2.3m from the National Lottery Fund for its transformational development redevelopment project.
Originally built in 1914, the cinema's extensive refurbishment and restoration works will provide a new entrance, expanded foyer and new 52-seat basement screen which improves the cinema's capacity to host events, educational workshops and hospitality.
G&T has provided Cost Management and Procurement services on the project since its inception, working closely with Hyde Park Picture House, Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House as well as the design team - Page \ Park (architects), Buro Happold (engineers) and Avison Young (project managers).
"The Picture House project has always been a labour of love for those involved, rooted in a desperate need to protect a community asset adored by many but suffering greatly from the fundamental challenges of old age."Wendy Cook
Head of Cinema, Hyde Park Picture House
Designed by Page \ Park architects with Triton Construction as contractor, the redevelopment embraces the building's historic character, allows the building to be sustainable and provides a unique visitor experience for all ages. It will provide significant value to the local community in the Hyde Park area of Leeds.
Wendy Cook, Head of Cinema, Hyde Park Picture House said, "The Picture House project has always been a labour of love for those involved, rooted in a desperate need to protect a community asset adored by many but suffering greatly from the fundamental challenges of old age. We embarked on the scheme knowing that getting it 'right' meant bringing together the best possible team of professionals who would be able to embrace these challenges and Gardiner & Theobald was one of the first we appointed as part of that journey back in 2017."
The essential conservation works include restoration of the roof, external walls and existing auditorium. Accessibility is improved through the new ramped access, accessible toilets and larger foyer.
Hyde Park Picture House is a significant arts, culture and heritage project for Leeds and its redevelopment is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Government's Culture Recovery Fund, Leeds City Council and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
"We are delighted to see work starting on The Hyde Park Picture House. This project instils pride in all involved in the project and the Leeds community. This project will preserve and celebrate one of Leeds' much loved buildings."Matthew Mills
Partner, Gardiner & Theobald