Manchester’s Contact Theatre being overhauled by Sheppard Robson

Contact Theatre by Sheppard Robson  (3)

Construction has kicked off on a £6.7m revamp of the Alan Short-designed Contact Theatre on Manchester’s Oxford Road.

Built by Blackpool-based contractor F Robinson, the design by London architect Sheppard Robson includes a remodelling of existing accommodation as well as creating 300m² of additional space.

A new three-storey extension adopts a pitched roof form finished in raised seam metal, a nod to the metal ‘chimneys’ and festival banner of the neighbouring 1990s building designed by Short.

Areas to be redeveloped will include the entrance, box office, café and bar.

The design also provides additional performance and conference facilities and new office accommodation.

The work is expected to be completed in time for the theatre’s re-opening in the summer 2019.