The Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; a leading arts venue situated in Aylesbury, within Buckinghamshire, England. The structure was developed through a regeneration project led by Aylesbury Vale District Council for the purpose of revitalizing the town centre.
Design and Construction
A theatre development meeting took place in 2003 to explore plans for a new performing arts space that would succeed the Civic Centre Theatre. The architectural firm Aedas, specifically their Arts Team, was commissioned in 2007 to design the theatre. The design was inspired by both Chiltern Hills’ natural shapes, together with the local woodlands. This is visible through both the building’s curved profile and the ‘forest of fins’ design created by 106 uniquely crafted glulam timber fins on its facade.
Willmott Dixon started building the project with a ceremonial digging event on 24 May 2007. The project’s initial estimates rose from £25 million in 2006 to reach a final total of £47 million before completion in 2010. (According to Wikipedia)
The theatre welcomed its first visitors on October 12, 2010, which was ceremonially opened by entertainer Cilla Black. Northern Ballet performed “Swan Lake” as the theatre’s first production on that day.
The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) was chosen as the preferred management in 2009 and signed a six-year management contract with the venue in January 2010. The facility features a 1,200-seat theatre, which converts into an 1,800-seat hall and includes a private 225-seat studio theatre.
Cultural Impact
The Aylesbury Waterside Theatre has developed into a cultural landmark since its opening, with West End productions being presented, along with concerts and comedy shows, opera and ballet performances, and community-based events. The theatre site has brought both cultural enhancement and economic growth to Aylesbury by drawing people to visit the town centre.
Awards and Recognition
The theatre received numerous honours for its design innovation along with its positive effects on the community. LABC Building Excellence Awards 2011: Best Community Building, Best Commercial Building over £1 million, and Supreme Winner. RICS Awards 2011: Project of the Year and Regeneration Project of the Year for the South East region. ICE Engineering Excellence Award 2011: Winner in the South East region for Sustainability and Community Benefit. Aedas.com
The Aylesbury Waterside Theatre functions as a modern arts centre that provides cultural enrichment to Buckinghamshire and different regions beyond its borders.