PROJECT
GRANDOPERAHOUSE, BELFAST
of Belfast’s busiest thoroughfares and bringing floor levels back to original alignment, all the while avoiding any damage to the original features of the auditorium. This project was always going to be a standout one for Tracey Brothers and for those who worked on it. “I’ve spent a lifetime working in construction,” said James, “I probably will never work on another theatre like it again. These projects are very rare and it means a great deal to have been professionally involved.” David added, “Everyone, who is from Northern Ireland, has got some relationship with the Grand Opera House. When I was at primary school we attended the pantomime every year and I intend to bring my own children to it in years to come. It’s a jewel in the crown of the city’s historic buildings. To play a part in its restoration is a personal and professional highlight for me.” James added, “When we were working in the backstage area I was thinking of who had been there before. The likes of Charlie Chaplin, Pavarotti and even trained wild animals have treaded these boards. There’s a lot of history attached to it. To bring it up to 21st century standards and retain what’s original – that’s an achievement.” Peter concluded, “We’ve brought an iconic Belfast building back to life, which is incredibly satisfying. We hope the restoration and improvement works will provide a much enhanced experience for generations of theatregoers to enjoy in the future.” Client: Grand Opera House, Belfast Main Contractor: Tracey Brothers Ltd Architect: Consarc Design Group Project Manager: WH Stephens M&E Engineers: Semple & McKillop PROJECTTEAM...
explained, “The circulation space in the existing building didn’t really work for the client. A major challenge was the need to remove the original metal staircases and concrete floors and replace with the helical stairs, which is a stunning new feature. We also had to remove one of the main concrete columns on the ground floor which was supporting the above three floors and roof, because its existing location hindered access to the auditorium. We had to design and install an engineering solution to hold up 120 tonnes of the existing structure temporarily whilst the column was removed and new steel frame installed. This entailed installation of a jacking and propping system which was removed gradually and load imposed upon the new steel frame. ” CONSERVATION Conservation was the third major challenge and priority in this project, as Peter explained, “There are many extremely special plaster features throughout the whole building along with ornate ceiling paintings such as the original corner paintings which depict the four seasons, and the later McKinstry ceiling paintings. “A team of experienced conservation
artists from all over Europe had been chosen by our art conservation partner to clean the years of built up grime and restore the artwork. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions this plan had to be abandoned. Instead, local artists from all over Ireland were drafted in to carry out the work; some were young trainees who received the most challenging and rewarding training experience imaginable! “The team cleaned and restored the paintings while working in the middle of a building site. A specialist designed dust-proof scaffold was installed to allow the artists to stand and work on the fine detail of the painting restoration, beneath which, construction works proceeded with forklifts and diggers traversing unhindered. Not the easiest of environments for artists to work in! The conservation artwork took place over a four-month period, and the results are astonishing; the tired artwork and features have been truly restored to their original splendour.” There were many other challenges to overcome such as prohibition on hot works to minimise fire risk to the vulnerable auditorium structure; the complex location of the site on one
Structural Engineers: Albert Fry Associates
Interior Designers: Sundara Design Theatre Consultants: Charcoal Blue
Address: Drumlyon House, Drumlyon, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 5TB T: +44 (0)28 6632 3471 - E: mail@traceybros.com www.traceybros.com
www.northernbuilder.co.uk
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