Royal Opera House - Open Up Project

The Royal Opera House, a Grade I Listed building in Covent Garden, sought to transform its traditionally formal and exclusive atmosphere into a more welcoming and accessible space for a broader audience. The 'Open Up' project aimed to enhance public engagement by improving front-of-house areas, creating new public amenities, and integrating modern facilities—all while preserving the building's historic character. The challenge lay in executing significant structural and aesthetic changes within a live performance environment, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing productions.

G&T provided Cost Management services throughout the project, overseeing budgeting, procurement, and financial control. Working closely with architects Stanton Williams and other stakeholders, G&T ensured that the redevelopment was delivered within budget constraints. Key enhancements included a new café, improved bars, a refurbished restaurant, a redesigned Linbury Theatre, and expanded public spaces. G&T's meticulous cost planning and management facilitated the seamless integration of contemporary design elements with the building's historic fabric.

Completed in 2018, the 'Open Up' project successfully transformed the Royal Opera House into a more inclusive and accessible cultural venue. The revitalised spaces now offer daytime access to the public, inviting a wider audience to engage with opera and ballet. The project received multiple accolades, including the RIBA National Award 2019, recognising its excellence in design and contribution to the arts. G&T's role in cost management was instrumental in achieving a balance between ambitious architectural vision and financial viability, ensuring the project's success.