Grand Opera House, Belfast

Winner of the RSUA Design Award & Conservation Award 2023

The Grand Opera House, one of Belfast’s most treasured landmarks, has stood proudly since 1895. Designed by the renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham, it remains a centrepiece of the city’s cultural life. By the late 2010s, however, the building was showing its age, with outdated infrastructure, tired interiors, and constrained public areas affecting the experience of audiences, performers, and staff. Consarc was appointed to lead a major restoration of this Grade A listed building, with a brief to restore its historic grandeur while future-proofing it for generations to come. Our approach combined detailed historical research with sensitive modern intervention, ensuring improved comfort, accessibility, and performance without compromising character.

Key works included reconfiguring seating in the Grand and Upper Circles to improve legroom and sightlines, replacing 1960s cinema chairs with new cast iron and velvet seats, and discreetly integrating upgraded ventilation, lighting, and technical infrastructure. Public areas and toilets were rationalised to enhance circulation, while the 2006 extension housing the box office and bars was reworked internally and externally to complement the main theatre. A new helical stair and refined finishes elevate the visitor experience throughout. Sustainability was central, with existing structures retained and adapted, and modern systems introduced to improve energy efficiency. Skilled craftspeople conserved delicate plasterwork and decorative finishes, resulting in a theatre that is entirely authentic—true to its origins yet fully ready for the future.

Awards:

RSUA Design Award (RIBA Regional) - 2023

RSUA Conservation Award (RIBA Regional) - 2023

RSUA Architect of the Year (James Grieve) (RIBA Regional) - 2023