Bolton Octagon appoints architect for £10m redevelopment

The Octagon Theatre in Bolton has appointed Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios as architect for its major £10 million capital redevelopment project.

The Manchester-based firm, which won the Stirling Prize in 2014, will take charge of modernising and enlarging the Octagon’s building.

The theatre’s studio will be able to operate all year round as part of the project.

The £10 million redevelopment, first announced in early 2015, will also ensure the Octagon is environmentally sustainable and financially efficient, and backstage and production facilities are improved.

The project will begin after the theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and will see it close between mid-2018 and late 2019 while works are carried out.

During this time, the Octagon will continue to produce work, operating in different spaces around Bolton.

Artistic director Elizabeth Newman said: “We are so excited to be working with a fantastic team of architects, theatre consultants and contractors for the project.

“Our building was forged in the 1960s with passion and dedication; 50 years on, we need to improve our building to ensure we will be an accessible, open and welcoming venue for all audiences and artists for another 50 years to come.”

Other projects carried out by architect Feilden Clegg Bradley include the current London redevelopments of the Southbank Centre and Alexandra Palace.

The theatre will also work with Willmott Dixon as contractors on the project, as well as theatre consultants Charcoal Blue and project managers Gardiner and Theobald.