Planning approval has been granted for the New Theatre Royal (NTR) development project at Portsmouth, a unique collaboration between the theatre and the city’s University.
The proposed extension to the Grade II* listed Matcham theatre will create a new cultural and creative hub for the city, housing a new fly-tower for NTR and providing specialist drama and music teaching facilities and TV studios for the University. Both institutions will share a new entrance, foyer and new 100 seat performance space.
Penoyre & Prasad’s design, developed in consultation with the local council, English Heritage, the Victorian Society and Theatres Trust, were praised by the planners for being both innovative and complementary, and making a significant contribution to the regeneration ration of the city centre.