Bradford Odeon - Bradford Live

Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
Background
Bradford Live’s plan is to strip out the 1969 insertions and restore the main auditorium to its original size and shape. We know that most of the
decoration in this area was removed in 1969, although those parts that remain will be kept. The well preserved ballroom and restaurant wing will be
restored back to its original state. Other areas of the building will also, for the most part, be put back to their original forms, and a new extension at
the rear of the building will be built, to ensure that the venue has competitive facilities for the modern live touring industry. This area will include new
dressing rooms, a loading dock and stage storage. The entire building will be served by new acoustic, electrical, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting
and fire control systems.
The new venue will be able to hold c 3500 in fully seated mode; and c 4000 - 4500 with stalls standing. The separate ballroom will hold (standing) c
800. It will be run commercially by a operator, although the building itself would be held by the Bradford Live charity. The venue will be a midsize
one, similar in capacity to the Brixton Academy, the Hammersmith Apollo and Manchester Apollo (see table below). All of these venues are former
super cinemas from the interwar years, and each has found a successful new use in today’s live entertainment market. They successfully bridge the
gap between the arenas and the 1500-2000 ‘town hall’ type venues; finding a good balance between intimacy and scale. We expect the Bradford venue
to play the same role for the West Yorkshire Conurbation, as the other two venues have for their respective conurbations.
The Bradford Live team has deep experience in modern venue workings and design, and will use this knowledge to ensure that the venue works
aesthetically, acoustically, practically and, most importantly, commercially. The cost of creating such a venue will be significant, but, we think, within
reach using a combination of capitalised private sector revenue streams and grant funding.
The enclosed detailed information is the result of intense study of the building over many months, including numerous site visits. We are confident
that our proposal will create a venue that can compete successfully in today’s live touring market, and be a core pillar of Bradford’s regeneration.
Lee Craven, Bradford Live Director
Original Name
Present name
Original opening date
Original opening capacity
Maximum capacity today
Astoria, Brixton
Brixton
19/08/1929
2892
4921
New Victoria, Bradford
Former Odeon
22/09/1930
3318
*4000
Hammersmith Apollo
Eventim Apollo
28/03/1932
3487
5039
Manchester Apollo
O2 Apollo
29/08/1938
2693
3500
O2 academy
* Based on 0.4 sqm/person for standing. Brixton uses a ratio of 0.34 sqm per person
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
7
Bradford Odeon Summary Brief
Drafted by Performance Consultant, Peter Angier of Carr & Angier
This brief gives an outline of the requirements for the renovation of the Bradford
Odeon so that it can once again be an asset for the people and the city.
The building should become a focal point for the city centre with a living
presence and regular daytime as well as evening activity.
The works must facilitate commercially viable use of the building’s best asset
which is the large auditorium. Although other uses must be considered,
particularly those which might be developed after operation starts, the principal
use of the auditorium is to present live performances of the rock/pop type with a
standing audience in the stalls.
Alternative arrangements for the stalls area should be included, in particular
with a fully seated audience or a level flat floor, to extend the range of possible
uses.
The adjoining ballroom and restaurant provide opportunities to present smaller
scale events and to be a destination in the city centre during the day. The plan
should allow the ballroom and restaurant to operate together but separately
from the main auditorium and its foyers. There should be the option of linking
them to the main auditorium spaces for a major event if required.
The building fabric must be made sound for long term continuous use without
short term remedial measures.
The acoustic isolation of the main auditorium for both noise break out and
break in shall be designed for the highest predictable noise levels from a rock/
pop event. Similar criteria shall be applied to the ballroom and restaurant
combination and between these two spaces and the main auditorium. From
an acoustic point of view the ballroom and restaurant should be considered
together without specific separation.
The architectural treatment of the exterior of the building must make the most
of what exists to signal the return of live attractions and should use modern
displays where necessary to do so.
Generally the remaining decorative fragments of the original interiors should
be stabilised and retained without attempting to extend them by reproduction.
Faint hints of former glory in a new vigorous working environment should be
enough.
It may be possible to achieve a more thorough restoration of the ballroom
and restaurant areas but this should await an assessment when all existing
obstructions have been removed.
The priority initially is to get the building back to work which means the main
auditorium and its surrounding areas. The scheme should be planned so that
the restaurant and ballroom could be completed in a later phase.
With workability the priority, consideration must be given to truck deliveries,
performer accommodation and all the needs of an incoming event and its
management to make the venue as attractive to them as possible. Commercial
opportunities in the building must be maximised, particularly bar sales.
Performance technical installations should in the first instance assume the
incoming event brings everything with it and only needs an adequate area of
stage and auditorium, generous power supplies and enough structural load
capacity for show suspensions.
Background noise levels should assume amplification will be used for all
events.
The heating, cooling and ventilation systems shall be designed to modern
standards with noise levels in the event spaces compatible with amplified
sound. Similar modern provision shall be made for lighting and emergency
evacuation.
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
8
Strategic Site Plan
General vehicle access
Possible bus stop
location
Truck access
Restaurant and Ballroom
as independent venues
Quebec
Street
New
deve perime
lopm ter
ent
Thor
nton
Road
Possible bus stop
location
Restaurant and Ballroom entrance
Back
st
exten age
sion
New pe
rimete
r
develop
ment
Backstage yard
Princes Way
Main entrance
Quebec Street restored
as cultural route
Accessible entrance
Alhambra Theatre
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
51
Ground Floor Plan
Showing standing audience arrangement
Alterations and new work shown in red
There are three entrances to the venue:
one in each of the towers, and the central
cinema entrance which address Bradford
City Park. The south entrance provides
step free access as well as a box office,
leading to a central foyer with three
extensive bars. The original 1928 stairs
at both ends of the foyer are restored,
and in conjunction with a new lift, provide
access to the upper tiers of the space.
The raked seating arrangement of the
stalls, as well as the sloped floor at the
front are both restored: new removable
seats will be installed to provide flexibility
for a wide range of events. The stage will
be permanently extended by 2.5m. The
decorative interior will not be completely
restored, but instead will be conserved in
the areas where it does survive.
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
53
Basement Plan
The basement is stripped out and the space
used to provide the extensive toilets, plant
and ancillary space required. The existing
ventilation ducts and plenum are used
for the new ventilation system, whilst the
narrow passages which run beneath the
stalls rake on either side will be used for
services distribution. The area beneath
the stage will be stripped and cleaned to
create the space required for storage of
the removable stalls.
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
55
Lower Circle Plan - 1st Floor
Here there is another extensive foyer
space, which again features bars on either
side. The original, stepped circulation
routes serving the Lower Circle space on
either side are restored, with a platform
lift providing step free access. The north
tower room becomes a bar serving the
Ballroom, whilst the south tower room
houses a VIP suite and bar.
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
56
2nd Floor Plan
The original position of the projection room
beneath the Upper Circle is restored. This
floor will be newly constructed in order to
provide access to the proposed ancillary
spaces on this intermediate floor.
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
57
Upper Circle Plan
The Upper Circle will again be restored
to its 1928 Illingworth arrangement, with
the addition of a followspot area to the
rear and two technical control suites on
either side. There will be bars in both of
the towers, which also serve as entrance
points into the Upper Circle.
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
59
Cross Section
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
61
Notes :
1.
This Drawing is to be read in conjunction with all
relevant Architect's Engineer's and specialists'
drawings and specifications.
2.
Do not scale from this drawing in either paper or
digital form. Use written dimensions only. To check
drawing has been printed to the intended scale this
bar should be 50mm long @ A1 or 25mm long @ A3.
3.
Health & Safety :
All specific drawing notes are to be read in conjunction
with the project "Information Pack" and "Site Rules".
4.
For general notes refer to Drawing No. ....................
Possible bus stop positions
Existing
Bus Stop
Key:
Start
Body Extents
Wheel Path
Vehicle Dimensions:
13.61
2.87
En
6.16
2.55
2.55
d
1.00
1.36
3.20
1.33
0.60 1.00
1.33
2.87
6.47
1.61
Vehicle name :
Articulated Vehicle (FTA 1998)
Overall length : 16.56
Overall width :
2.55
Max. track width : 2.47
Kerb to kerb radius :6.55
Max. articulation : 90.00
PLAN 1 - ARTICULATED VEHICLE MANOEUVRE INTO BAY 1
SCALE 1:250
Possible bus stop positions
Start
End
INFORMATION ONLY
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
Issued for Information
Rev Date Drawn Eng
Amendment
BRADFORD ODEON
VEHICLE TRACKING
ARTICULATED VEHICLE
SHEET 2
Drawn
Eng
Scales
PLAN 1 - ARTICULATED VEHICLE MANOEUVRE INTO BAY 2
SCALE 1:250
Bradford Odeon
Tim Ronalds Architects
Drawing No
Rev
20630-702
P1
155
Consulting Engineers
30 Newman Street London W1T 1LT
T 020 7631 5128 F 020 7462 1390
E name@pricemyers.com www.pricemyers.com
Notes :
Possible bus stop positions
d
En
Existing
Bus Stop
1.
This Drawing is to be read in conjunction with all
relevant Architect's Engineer's and specialists'
drawings and specifications.
2.
Do not scale from this drawing in either paper or
digital form. Use written dimensions only. To check
drawing has been printed to the intended scale this
bar should be 50mm long @ A1 or 25mm long @ A3.
3.
Health & Safety :
All specific drawing notes are to be read in conjunction
with the project "Information Pack" and "Site Rules".
Key:
Start
Body Extents
Wheel Path
Vehicle Dimensions:
13.61
2.87
6.16
2.55
2.55
1.00
1.36
3.20
1.33
0.60 1.00
1.33
2.87
6.47
1.61
Vehicle name :
Articulated Vehicle (FTA 1998)
Overall length : 16.56
Overall width :
2.55
Max. track width : 2.47
Kerb to kerb radius :6.55
Max. articulation : 90.00
PLAN 1 - ARTICULATED VEHICLE ENTRY
End
End
SCALE 1:250
Possible bus stop positions
Possible bus stop positions
INFORMATION ONLY
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
Issued for Infornation
Rev Date Drawn Eng
Amendment
BRADFORD ODEON
Start
Start
VEHICLE TRACKING
ARTICUALTED VEHICLE
SHEET 2
Drawn
Eng
Scales
PLAN 2 - ARTICULATED VEHICLE LEAVING BAY 1
SCALE 1:250
PLAN 3 - ARTICULATED VEHICLE
LEAVING
BAY 2
Bradford
Odeon
SCALE 1:250
Tim Ronalds Architects
Drawing No
Rev
20630-701
P1
156
Consulting Engineers
30 Newman Street London W1T 1LT
T 020 7631 5128 F 020 7462 1390
E name@pricemyers.com www.pricemyers.com
Bradford Odeon
Contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Range of Auditorium uses
3.
Stage Arrangement
4.
Backstage
5.
Stage Technical Facilities
It describes why a large auditorium designed as a cinema has a
viable future today being used for a range of events which centre on
live shows of the rock/pop type. The general plan of the auditorium
and stage is being retained.
6.
Auditorium Technical Facilities
7.
Performance and General Communications
8.
Storage
The variations in the auditorium stalls area necessary to give the
venue the widest appeal are included. The three main forms are
seated audience, standing audience and open flat floor built out from
the stage at stage level. The two upper tiers are fully seated in all
arrangements.
9.
Enhanced Performance Installations
Development Report
Summary
This contribution to the team report covers the performance aspects
of the scheme for renovation of Bradford Odeon.
The technical provision for performance has the minimum amount of
permanently installed equipment, and assumes than incoming shows
will bring in all their own decor, performance lighting and sound
systems. There are large power supplies for performance equipment
and strong points for suspending brought-in rigs on stage and in the
auditorium.
A new service block behind the stage has a loading bay which will
take in shows from the largest touring vehicles and adds storage,
dressing rooms, green room, touring company offices with a crew
kitchen which can also serve banqueting.
Drawings:
430/SK/4
GA Long Section Technical Provision
430/SK/5
GA Long Section Seating in Stalls
430/SK/6
GA Long Section Standing in Stalls
430/SK/7
GA Long Section Flat Floor in Stalls
430/SK/8
GA Long Section Ground Floor Plan Stalls
level
430/SK/9
Flytower Centre Line Section
430/SK/10
Suspension Over Stage and Forestage
Carr & Angier Bradford Odeon Development Report
Page 1
1.
The stage riser remains at its original height which is quite
high for adequate seated sightlines from the closest rows, so
these have been set back from the stage front as can be
seen on the section.
Introduction
Viable modern use of the building must centre on the auditorium and its
audience capacity. A reproduced 1930s cinema auditorium will not provide
the flexible facilities needed for operation today. However, a renovated and
adapted auditorium with capacity for over 3,000 seated and about 4,000
with stalls standing is commercially much more attractive, particularly for
rock/pop events, and could provide a regional centre serving a wide
catchment area.
Events with could be presented include solo artists, standup,
digital film, lectures and possibly conferences.
2.2
This form is probably the most important of the three,
particularly in the early life of the revived building. The stalls
seating is all removed as shown on sketch 430/SK6. On the
front flat and raked sections of the stalls the audience area is
open and unobstructed as can be seen in several successful
rock/pop venues currently operating nationwide. The rake
gives a good view of the stage when standing or dancing.
The seats on the rear stepped area are also removed but
safety barriers will be fitted between alternate rows to
prevent tripping on the steps.
It is fortunate that most of the existing stalls floor is not stepped and so can
accommodate seats or (with seats removed) promenade. The stepped
upper tiers have a row spacing which means they can be retained and
achieve modern standards of comfort.
An auditorium based on the existing floor structures and retaining surviving
historic features of the original is the heart of the proposals. It re-uses the
original tier levels and adds the simplest technical facilities needed for
modern presentation.
The stage plan area is adequate for modern uses but the height is
restricted. The arrangement of the existing grid over the stage involves two
changes of level, stepping down towards the back wall. The renovation
project does not include a new stage house. The stage walls and roof are
retained and the stage operation made viable with the existing grid levels
used to provide strong points for brought-in rigging.
The general approach to the planning and equipment for the initial stages
has been to minimise cost while facilitating the presentation of the widest
range of events. At the same time care has been taken to ensure that
current proposals do not prevent future expansion and improvement.
2.
Range of Auditorium Uses
2.1
Three principle forms for the auditorium are proposed :
2.2
Seated Audience
This arrangement is the closest to the original layout and can be seen on
the section 430/SK5. The two upper tiers have fixed permanent tip-up
seats arranged on the original seat row stepping. The stalls area is also
seated but the seats are all of the removable type. They are not fixed down
but are linked together with floor tie bars at row ends.
Standing Stalls Audience
A removable safety barrier will be installed in front of the
stalls area when needed to separate the audience from the
stage.
2.3
Extended Flat Floor
A large area of flat floor is the starting point for many flexible
halls because it allows so many different types of event to be
presented. In the Odeon a very simple and cost effective
solution is required. The proposal will create a flat floor from
rostrum units level with the stage. The arrangement can be
seen in principle in sketch 430/SK7. The floor would not
extend to the stalls side walls but would be rectangular,
approximately 15m. wide. This simple shape is easy to
create with standard platform units. Guard rails and access
stairs would be fitted to each long side.
This scale of flat floor, extending into the stage at the same
level, would lend itself to many events including weddings,
banquets and exhibitions.
The front rows on the flat floor and the rows behind them on the raked
floor are all set out at a row spacing to provide comfortable legroom. The
stepped tiers at the stalls rear use the same seat but the row spacing
follows the existing floor steps.
Carr & Angier Bradford Odeon Development Report
Page 2
3.
Stage Arrangement
3.1
Stage Area and Rake
4.2
This general purpose area has a large sound door
separating it from the stage. It can be used for flight case
and other short term storage of incoming show materials.
The existing stage walls and proscenium opening will be retained, so the
stage area will remain the same but the stage front will be extended into
the auditorium to form a permanent forestage. This gives added area
overall and also improves performer contact with the audience.
The stage floor is raked at present. Although there are many stages which
retain a rake and remain workable, a sloping floor is not suited to the
staging of shows of the rock/pop type which need a firm and level floor.
The stage will therefore be provided with a new floor which will be levelled
from the front. The relatively high stage riser in relation to the front of the
stalls is kept. This has been done partly for simplicity but also because a
high stage suits a standing audience and leaves the sightlines from the
upper tiers unchanged.
The fully seated audience has been slightly separated from the stage to
compensate for the high stage riser and provide reasonable sightlines.
3.2
The store can also provide space for a temporary servery
set up if the auditorium in its flat floor form is used for a
banquet.
4.3
4.
Backstage
4.1
Loading & Deliveries
Backstage Kitchen
This is a dedicated kitchen space to serve crew and
performers working long hours. It can also be used by
caterers setting up for a banquet, but it is not a full prep.
kitchen – it assumes brought-in prepared meals.
4.4
Dressing Rooms
New dressing rooms are provided in the backstage building
and existing dressing rooms at each side of the stage on the
upper levels will be renovated. On the stage right side at
stage level the existing room will be multi-purpose
depending on the show. It could be used for dressing, quick
change, props or as a stage management office.
Stage Grid
The grid over the stage is curiously arranged and instead of running
horizontally back from the proscenium wall steps down twice. As a guess
this was done at a late stage for town planning reasons. The result is that
there is a limited area, rectangular in plan, nearest to the proscenium wall
with full 20m. height for suspensions. This area was originally equipped
with about sixteen sets of double purchase counterweights and a
proscenium safety curtain with drencher. It was possible to fly out a house
curtain and other drapes and also the film screen. None of this equipment
will be replaced but the height will be retained to allow future installation of
a flown house curtain and projection screen if the developing programme
requires them.
Backstage Store
4.5
Visiting Show Management and Other Offices
Office space will be available in the new block and linked
existing rooms at each side for use by promoters and
production management and resident management and
technical staff.
Rapid and easy loading and unloading help to make a venue attractive to
incoming shows. The new backstage block behind the stage will provide
positions for two 16m. artic. trucks to unload simultaneously under cover.
Behind the bay is a store area which acts as a sound buffer and opens
onto the main backstage store.
Small deliveries and taxi drop-off can also be made to the adjacent stage
door at any time without affecting loading operations.
Carr & Angier Bradford Odeon Development Report
Page 3
5.
Stage Technical Facilities
5.1
Power Supplies
6.3
In a similar way to the stage, new power supplies will be
provided at:
New power supplies will be provided at each side of the stage and at high
level for brought-in sound, lighting and hoisting equipment. The supplies
will be terminated and sub-divided so that either heavy duty or smaller
connections can be made easily.
5.2
Stalls centre for sound and lighting control
Re-instated projection room
Suspensions
Follow spot position at the rear of the top tier
New horizontal steel beams will be installed at regular centres over the
stage to be used when hoisting show related items such as lighting rigs,
backdrops, masking drapes, video walls. Hoisting will be by chain hoists or
similar brought-in equipment hanging from girder clamps on the new
beams.
High level over the forestage
6.4
The general arrangement of the beams can be seen on drawings 430/SK/9
& 10.
6.
Auditorium Technical Facilities
6.1
Forestage
6.5
This route also gives a simple way of bringing a large ‘cherry
picker’ into the auditorium when the seats are removed to
access the underside of the ceiling.
6.6
Subject to more detailed survey of the old roof structure it is intended to
provide additional strong points in the ceiling over the stalls area for
performance equipment or to serve flat floor exhibitions.
Projection Position
The original projection position between the centre and top
seating tiers exit will be reinstated. Its main purpose is to
provide a position for scenic and show related effects
projection. It could also be used for conventional digital film
projection.
Suspensions
Strong points will be provided over the forestage generally as shown on
drawing 430/SK/10. Although available for any purpose they are intended
to give high load capacity at each side for loudspeaker stacks and further
points across the forestage for a forward lighting truss.
Stalls Delivery Route
One set of exit doors from the stalls on the stage left (North)
side is at the same level as the delivery yard outside. This
useful route to the auditorium is available for movement of
sound mixers, rostrum units, additional seating etc. if
crossing the stage is difficult for any reason.
The line of the original stage will be extended out into the auditorium to
give a permanent forestage. This increases the available stage depth and
enlarges the stage area. It also allows performers to move forward which
improves the relationship with the audience.
The additional space at each side can be used for floor mounted
loudspeaker stacks or while rigging clusters on hoists. The general
arrangement can be seen on drawing 430/SK/10.
Stalls Mixing and Control Position
This permanent location is positioned to give a sound mixing
technician direct line of sight and hearing to the
loudspeakers. It is just clear of the overhang of the tier
above so that temporary connecting cables to the stage can
be run round the tier front on brackets. The same brackets
can also provide performance spotlight fixings when
required.
The beams are at two levels, the lower beams are over the rear section of
the stage within the sloping roof line and the higher beams directly under
the old grid level which has 20m. height from the stage floor.
6.2
Power Supplies
6.7
Follow Spot Position
A new position for follow spots will be formed at the back of
the top tier. Although it is a long throw this is the only place
in the auditorium which gives the necessary combination of
position and angle to the stage.
Carr & Angier Bradford Odeon Development Report
Page 4
7.
Performance and General Communications
7.1
Backstage
At the front of the stage a simple rectangular scissors lift will
be installed. This lift will provide transport between the
understage, the stalls floor level and the stage itself. It can
be used for seat movement to storage and also for (say) a
brought-in mixer being moved from the loading bay to the
stalls centre. When not in use the lift will form part of the
floor surface.
Although the installation of permanent performance systems and wiring is
limited, there will be a conventional backstage calls and show relay system
linking all changing rooms, corridors and offices. Calls can be made from
the stage door or a small portable stage manager’s desk.
7.2
Tie lines for analogue signal and data will connect all the technical and
management areas. General communications for public announcements
will make use of the voice alarm system so that the same loudspeakers
can be used for general purposes and also in an emergency. Emergency
has priority but the zoning will be planned to divide the building into
suitable areas for general calls.
7.3
The exact location of the lift will be determined by the most
economic position in relation to existing structure.
General Communications & Tie Lines
9.
Enhanced Performance Installations
9.1
Benefits
The technical proposals outlined above have been kept as
simple as possible to minimise cost at the outset. The
reasoning behind the layout is that the larger organisations
who might want to bring a show to a venue of this scale are
set up to bring with them everything they need and to rig
their production from scratch provided they have enough
space, adequate power supplies and strong points for
rigging.
Stage Management and Intercom
An intercom system will be provided for technical communication in
performance with outlets throughout the stage and auditorium. A small
portable stage manager’s desk will have sockets for use at either side of
the stage or in the auditorium.
8.
Storage
8.1
Visiting Group
The visiting show needs temporary storage for the flight cases and other
containers which they empty out as the show is rigged. These items can
remain in unused areas of the stage, in the rear stage store and in the
dock near the loading bay. Ability to store these things in the building
avoids using one of the transport trailers and makes the building more
attractive as a date.
8.2
However, this approach can rule out events from
managements which do not possess the necessary
equipment and are reluctant to hire it.
Separate budget figures have been given for additional
performance equipment which, if available in house, would
extend the range of shows which could be brought in. This
equipment falls into the usual two categories of performance
lighting and sound.
9.2
Seating and Rostrum Units
The removable stalls seats and the rostrum units for the flat floor all
require storage when not in use. Although some storage may be
necessary outside the building the intention is to maximise storage within it
by opening out the area under the stage. The target is to fit at least the
stalls seats in this area. The proposed stalls seat will fold and stack and
can then be moved on wheeled trolleys.
Performance Lighting
To comprise lighting truss, spotlights, loose connecting
cables, portable dimmers in wheeled racks, control desk and
a range of spotlights.
9.3
Performance Sound
The budget covers connecting cables, microphones, mixer,
signal processing, amplifiers, left and right loudspeaker
clusters.
Carr & Angier Bradford Odeon Development Report
Page 5