Performing Arts Venues

What we do

We provide civil, structural, and geo-environmental engineering services, offering tailored solutions from feasibility to construction. Our expertise includes structural surveys, foundation design,
and complex steel structures, with a focus on buildability and maintaining access in challenging conditions. Collaborating with third parties, we ensure robust designs that integrate seamlessly into existing environments.

What we did

Birmingham Hippodrome

Structural engineering design and support services as part of the refurbishment works to the entrance and foyer at the Birmingham Hippodrome, as part of a £1m fast-track refurbishment scheme.

Working to a challenging programme required on the spot engineering advice and out of hours works to assist the contractor and maintain continuity of works and access.

The refurbishment included the construction of a new glazed draft lobby, reconfigured entrance area including new steps to the foyer and the installation of a new contemporary designed box office reception with associated mechanical and electrical installations.

National Indoor Arena, Birmingham

Full civil and structural engineering design services provided for the £26m refurbishment and extension of the National Indoor Arena for NEC group.

Involved from feasibility stage, services included structural survey work, structural analysis pre-demolition and liaison with third party agencies such as Network Rail and The Canal and River Trust to provide the client with a robust design and confidence to move the project through planning, tender and into construction.

Design work focused particularly on buildability, maintaining access and use of the venue during the construction phase and protecting public access on the adjacent canal towpaths and mainline
railway beneath.

The scheme comprises piled foundations, threaded between existing foundations
and live services, supporting a steel frame structure with composite metal deck floors. A high specification glazed façade completes the building envelope, with careful design in consideration of wind and thermal movement, and replacement strategies for future maintenance.

Curve Theatre, Leicester – Alteration and improvement works to the theatre

Our services include providing structural design solutions for the replacement of current retractable seating in the auditorium with new fixed seating set on raked beams.

Design solutions for floor infills over pits within the existing buildings, structural loadings checks on existing stage structures and structural advice on alterations to walls within dressing room and toilet areas.

National Indoor Arena, Birmingham – Gallery extension

Project to convert existing office spaces into a new bar area, hospitality and viewing area to increase bowl capacity for the venue. Works included justification of existing load capacities and the design of
new elevated decks for seating.

National Indoor Arena, Birmingham – Legoland Discovery Centre

Conversion of car park undercroft area of the arena into new Legoland facility. Works included the design of new floors and mezzanines, utilising existing foundations, with new drainage provisions.

Derby Theatre

Design and detail of roof plant support structures to accommodate AHU and other equipment. Design of new extensions to existing walkway gantries about the auditorium ceiling and to justify loadings for supporting additional services.

LG Arena, Birmingham – rear service area extension

Foundations, frame and floor structure design for new extension to the covered
loading areas at the venue. Designs in split sections were needed to take into consideration phased works due to continued use of the venue throughout.

NEC group miscellaneous projects

ICC Birmingham – feasibility alterations

Advice and support for various projects relating to wall removals, load justifications on existing structures, removal of escalators and infilling of existing voids.

Roof load checks

Survey, analysis and assessment of existing structures to determine loading capacity of existing roof structures to support additional loading.

Escalator upgrades

Provide design support for removal and reinstatement of escalators in existing
buildings. Our services included structural check and the design of new supports as necessary as existing and new escalators differed in weight and sizes.

Temporary Works at Utilita Arena

Load checks on existing structure for events and alteration works. Includes checks for a media centre and F&B units during the commonwealth games, and a temporary crane used to install new AHUs
sited on the transfer structure over the Network Rail tunnel. Additional Seating Areas at Utilita Arena
Design of steel structure including connections back to existing concrete frame for six new areas of VIP seating. Undertook load checks at points of connection to existing structure.

Additional Seating Areas at Utilita Arena

Design of steel structure including connections back to existing concrete frame for six new areas of VIP seating. Undertook load checks at points of connection to existing structure.