Historic Buildings

Buxton Opera House - Understanding the Building Before Sensitive Restoration

The purpose of this application is to undertake work that will help us to better understand a number of key things about the theatre prior to our main NLHF capital application: 1. The architect Frank Matcham's original intentions and visioning of the building and the rediscovery of lost heritage. 2. It's current condition - in order to inform the design process whilst also de-risking the project at an early stage. 3. Consult and develop a project brief that will deliver a building fit for our communities whilst respecting and enhancing the heritage of this grade II* listed building. 4. Re-evaluate the contextual setting of the surrounding historic buildings and gardens. The theatre has often been considered in isolation, yet it is one of a suite of unique heritage buildings with entangled and confused physical relationships. 5. Understand the architect's original concepts of lighting, decoration, services, fittings to inform future design.