The Lights, Cricklade College Theatre, Andover, Hampshire
Type of works: design and build of a tensile fabric canopy, covering an outdoor eating area.
The old Cricklade Theatre in Hampshire was converted into an arts and entertainment venue called the Lights. The original 1970’s building was to be transformed using lights, canopies and natural light to feature a new arena hall, bar and cafe area, function rooms, meeting rooms, dance studio and refitted auditorium.
J & J Carter was appointed to create and install the canopy to the exterior of the building. The canopy had to interface with the existing building, which could not resist the canopy loads. In-house engineers had to provide reaction forces so the main contractor’s engineers could add bracing to the building.
Steelwork was used to give the canopy an unusual shape to make it distinctive, whilst the overall design needed to ensure the canopy would cover a specific area and work with the height of the existing building.
The design has created a modern entrance to the building and a unique, stylish cover for the outdoor eating area.
Rob Sewell, Operations Manager for the Cricklade College Theatre said: "We are extremely pleased with the canopy – it is striking, contemporary and perfectly suited to our venue. From a functional point of view it provides adequate coverage and looks as good now as it did when first installed. We had to work to a very tight budget and J&J Carter proved themselves to be reliable by delivering on time and within budget, and the level of service we received was very reassuring.”