Location: Yoevil, England.
Architect: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.
The Johnson Hall, a multipurpose building, was erected in 1974 and opened as the Octagon Theatre, which is situated south of Yeovil’s town centre. It has evolved into a dedicated theatre venue over time, delivering a varied and well-liked programme in locations much beyond its original scope and capability.
In order to create a key cultural destination offering a variety of top-notch performances as well as energetic and engaging community facilities, the refurbishment and extension project will build on the success of the Octagon Theatre. It will allow for more active daytime use for seminars, cafes, and workshops, as well as a larger selection of entertainment in the main auditorium’s expanded space and new theatres. With accessible restrooms on every level, an adult changing area, and inclusion ingrained throughout the venue, the building will be more accessible to all visitors. The venue will result in considerable reductions in embodied carbon and operating energy use.
The size of the main arena and stage house will be significantly extended to 900, along with a significant upgrade of the technical infrastructure and the inclusion of a fly tower. This will make it possible for the Octagon to present a wider selection of well-liked and financially lucrative touring productions to a larger audience. While the two additional cinemas will offer both mainstream cinema, and boutique arthouse cinema, and the possibility to use them for spoken word events, the expanded studio spaces will offer dancing instruction, community activities, and classes.
It is due to be completed in 2024.
Client: South Somerset District Council.