Royal Opera House, Open Up

The Open Up project aims to significantly enhance the experience of visiting the Royal Opera House for the public, artists, and guest companies.

With a final construction cost estimated at £50.7 million, the scheme involved re-designing both the Bow Street and Covent Garden piazza entrances, new foyers (an increase of 50% foyer space) including a larger shop (designed by Drinkall Dean) and new café. The Linbury Studio theatre has been completely replaced with the new Linbury Theatre. This state-of-the-art facility has a a 400 seat auditorium and is fitted with adjustable seating configurations and electroacoustic technology.

The Opera House has also refurbished the Amphitheatre and Amphitheatre Terrace, opening up the Amphitheatre foyer and introducing a new bar and 230-cover restaurant (designed by Studio Linse) which will be open to the public rather than just performance-goers. The Clore Studio learning space has also been refurbished.

One of the project’s biggest challenges Equals faced as project managers was the logistical complexity of carving out new space for the interventions whilst the building remained in use. Time restrictions were also in place due to the surrounding residential accommodation. Thanks to careful phasing and decanting throughout the lengthy construction programme, we were able to ensure that not one ROH rehearsal or main auditorium performance was missed.

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