The 'Shed' theatre lies at the heart of £7.5m development programme at the Juncation theatre in Cambridge.

Three new theatre facilities have opened in Cambridge at one venue called The Junction.

The facilities, comprising a theatre, an education space and an art and new technology laboratory, are part of a £7.5 million redevelopment programme funded by the Arts Council.

Junction 2 is a unique 220-capacity performance space inspired by Georgian courtyard theatre. The design of the auditorium aims to preserve the intimacy of Cambridge Drama Centre, despite having a disproportionately large stage area.

The performance space can adapt to accommodate small stage productions as well as larger scale contemporary dance.

The architectural design team, led by Plowman Brown Architects, has developed a flexible technical infrastructure that will allow artists to experiment with the space and lighting design.

The walls are equipped with reflective and acoustic panels and a structured CAT 6 cabling system that connects to Junction 5, the new technology production laboratory.

Development director Robin Townley said: “We don’t know what the next form of live performance to emerge might be, but we have built in as much flexibility as possible to ensure that we will be equipped to support it.”

The complex also includes an auditorium designed for participation and community use, equipped with a fully sprung under-heated floor and feature windows.