Major refurbishment of the main auditorium
The Guildhall Trust, the organisation responsible for running Portsmouth Guildhall, has today announced that a major refurbishment of the venue’s main auditorium will take place this summer.
The refurbishment project costing £600,000 will see all of the venue’s 2000 seats replaced with new seats that are designed for comfort, with a contoured seat and backrest that will provide a “lux” seating experience.
A number of premium seats are also being introduced as the ‘best seats in the house’ which will offer even greater comfort and increased space, with a package of extras to complete the VIP experience including early and no queue entry, plus access to a private lounge.
The new seating system, being provided by Hussey Seatway, will retain the venue’s flexible format with removable seating in the stalls area to continue to allow for standing concerts, exhibitions and dinners that require a flat floor format.
Further works to enhance the auditorium space will include painting and decoration, new stage tabs and new carpet for the upper stalls and circle areas. An opulent interior which will give a whole new look to the auditorium has been designed by Tilly Hemingway for Hemingway Design, a multi-disciplinary design studio with a legacy and portfolio spanning four decades founded by Wayne Hemingway MBE.
The proposed colour palette for the Guildhall Concert Hall draws on a mid-century style, reflecting the building’s post-war rebuild after extensive bombing during the Second World War. It complements the original veneered wood panelling and decorative details, while also working with recent changes such as wall and ceiling paint finishes and the stalls carpet. The palette offers a classic, timeless look that respects both the building’s history and its current fabric.
The refurbishment will take place over the summer to be completed in time for the venue’s busy Autumn season which opens on 3rd September with the hugely popular folk-bluegrass musical ensemble, The Dead South.
The existing seating has consistently been negatively highlighted in post event feedback to The Guildhall Trust with comments ranging from “tired” and “dated”, to “uncomfortable” and “terrible”. The new seating system and décor will provide a much-improved guest experience for visitors to the Guildhall.
The refurbishment, being funded by Portsmouth City Council and The Guildhall Trust will significantly improve the city’s cultural asset as part of a programme of Renaissance of the Guildhall to develop a fully self-sustainable financial model and ensure that the iconic venue continues to thrive for future generations.
The investment follows earlier upgrades to the auditorium including new carpet, sound and light systems and previous Renaissance projects which have seen the venue’s toilet facilities upgraded, a secondary performance space called The Lens Studio created and the basement transformed into a creative space for young people called The BASE, to deliver The Guildhall Trust’s charitable objectives to inspire, entertain and transform lives.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Portsmouth Guildhall is one of the city’s most iconic and important venues. This investment will significantly improve the experience for visitors and help continue to attract top artists to our city, ensuring the Guildhall remains a leading destination for culture and entertainment.”
Chief Executive Officer for The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays said “The improvement works to the auditorium and new seating are critical to the long-term success of Portsmouth Guildhall. We strive to give people attending our concerts and events the best experience possible and comfort is a key component of that. We work hard to bring the best acts to the city and continued investment in our facilities helps us to remain competitive. With further improvements to our bar facilities in the pipeline, this is an exciting time for Portsmouth and the Guildhall!”
All profits from this year’s open-air Summer Concerts in Guildhall Square will contribute to completing the refurbishment and further work to replace the auditorium’s sound-proofing tapestries.
As part of a Centenary Concert series in celebration of Portsmouth’s 100 years of city status, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will return on Friday 17th July with a night of thrilling film music in The Best of Williams & Zimmer and on Saturday 18th July with a Smash Hits – The 80s party night culminating in a fireworks finale above the Guildhall. Then, on Sunday 19th July, a glorious afternoon and early evening of homegrown music talent will feature in a Pompey Summer Sounds festival.
*Image shows example of the seats being installed/ in situ at other venues. Colour of seating at the Guildhall will be per the material swatches as shown in the image.