Projecting a bright new future

Hyde Park Picture House

Leeds, UK

A landmark in Leeds city centre, the Hyde Park Picture House project comprised the refurbishment of an original 1914 Grade II listed single screen cinema. Part Heritage Lottery funded and part sponsored by the ‘Friends of the Hyde Park Picture House’. The redevelopment preserved the cinema’s historic features, while creating a more comfortable and accessible venue with a more sustainable business future.

An important consideration was the preservation of the historical features of the site, such as the world’s only gas lighting system.

The project has increased the cinema’s functionality by integrating a second screen and auditorium.

The project will modernise, reduce and simplify operations and running costs for the next 100 years.

Challenge

Preservation of the cinema’s historic features was key, including the upgrading of the world’s only working gas lighting system. Alongside this, our building services team needed to devise how to create new functionality for the cinema, reduce its running costs and open up the cinema to a whole new audience.

And to do it with the least possible business interruption during the works.

Solution

Buro Happold’s engineers worked sensitively within the constraints of the existing structure to create a cost effective design which meets the client’s vision to provide additional income-generating space from the small building.

Intricate structural works were involved and our engineers worked closely with the architect to develop an solution to the need to provide more space at the building’s entrance. The final scheme included removing the auditorium’s rear wall and inserting a new steel frame – maximising the number of cinema seats and forming spaces for accessible toilets and an expanded food and drink offering.

Our structural experts also played a vital role in ensuring the historic structure was not damaged during complex works to underpin the existing external walls and form new basement spaces both inside and outside the building.

Our approach generated a cost effective solution that minimised complex, costly foundation works.

The new services have been seamlessly woven into the historic facades to minimise impact on the listed building fabric.

Not only has this design and process approach achieved the client’s aspirations, it ensured a robust and safe construction sequence on a highly complex site.

Value

Preserving a rich heritage and creating a sustainable future for this jewel in the cultural assets of Leeds, puts some of the very best of our thinking and talent on show.

The Hyde Park Picture House re-opened its curtains in 2023 to rave reviews.