Multinational professional services firm Arup, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and National Arts Council, is undertaking the internal refurbishment and restoration of over 150-year old Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore.
The major focus of the renovation work includes the sustainable restoration and redevelopment of a historically important performing arts venue to meet 21st century artistic demands. The refurbishment work started with the Concert Hall. Construction has already begun on the new theatre at basement level.
To meet the artistic needs of the 21st century, the project will focus on the renovation of the auditoria, backstage spaces, rehearsal areas and audience facilities. Major renovation of the venue is being undertaken with technical upgrades like enhancing acoustics, improving sightlines and audience and performer facilities. Two new subterranean levels have been excavated and a new plant room and electrical sub-station have been constructed.
The restoration work also includes the preservation of the existing facade and historical structures within the building. Including sustainable elements in the renovation process, the project aims at achieving Gold Plus certification under Singapore’s local green building rating system. Arup is also providing fire and sustainable building design consultancy to the building.
Comprising a memorial hall, theatre and clocktower, the historically important Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall is home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and an important centre for performing arts in the city-state. The renovation project is part of the ‘Renaissance City’ plan to transform Singapore into a global city for arts and culture by 2015.
