RefurbishmentImage Gallery Funders & Design Team Architect Plans Make A Donation

The Playhouse is based in two former Primary School buildings that are “B1” Listed, and on the Buildings At Risk Register.  The historical buildings which, although have many unique architectural features, were in major need of refurbishment due to their poor condition and lack of modern amenities, access, etc. 

In 2004 The Playhouse was chosen as one of the three N.Ireland finalists for the hit national BBC programme, “BBC Restoration”.  Through the great support of the people across the North West and further afield, The Playhouse won the N.Ireland regional heat gaining a place in the national final which was televised live from Hampton Court Palace London.  Since then The Playhouse has secured £4.3 million to completely refurbish its historic buildings and build a new extension to the rear. Work started in Artillery Street in October 2007 with the completion date set for December 2008.

Project Team

The Project Team for refurbishment & extension of The Playhouse are as follows:

Architect:   Andrzej Blonski Architects  www.blonski.dial.pipex.com
Project Managers   2M Associates   www.2massociates.com
Quantity Surveyors   Davis Langdon  www.davislangdon.com
Electrical Engineers   Furness Green Partnership   www.furnessgreen.com
Structural Engineers    Taylor & Boyd  www.taylor-boyd.co.uk
Main Contractor   JPM Contracts  www.jpm-contracts.com

Restoration Work Begins:

October 2007 Work started on site with the demolition of two stairwells, the only significant parts of the listed buildings to be altered.  These were removed in order to clear a rectangle space in the lower courtyard for the new extension as well as providing space for two news lifts.  The two roofs were also replaced. 
November 2007 The unique windows were removed to a workshop for restoration and rubble removed from site.
December 2007 An adjoining 1960’s extension was removed and the outer skin of rendered cement was removed and replaced.
January 2008 Archaeology work starts in the lower courtyard and the pit shafts are dug for the lifts
February 2008 Archaeology work finishes, (nothing significant found), and internal walls in the Administration Office and the new Café space rendered.  Some of the windows are now being reinstated

Photographs of the restoration can be found in the “image Gallery” section of this website.
The Playhouse, St Columb's Theatre, Orchard Street, Derry, BT48 6EG. Tel: 028 7126 8027 Fax: 028 71261884 E-mail: info@derryplayhouse.co.uk