Robertson Construction wins £7m contract to upgrade theatre

Robertson Construction Eastern has won a £7m contract to upgrade the Edwardian His Majesty's Theatre north of the border.

The Aberdeen-based construction arm of Robertson Group will use its expertise in the sensitive handling of building restoration and development to carry out the two-year refurbishment and redevelopment, with work starting in August.

The theatre will close next spring to allow major refurbishment work to be done on the existing building, which will continue until July 2005.

The massive redevelopment project for Aberdeen City Council, which includes a £3m five-storey extension, will see improved access for customers, performers and staff.

The new extension involves developing the theatre to the east in a five-level extension adjacent to the existing car park, making the building fully accessible to theatre-goers with disabilities.

Front-of-house facilities will be completely modernised by revamping bars and toilets and by the addition of a restaurant, coffee shop and corporate hospitality area.

Technical and audio-visual equipment will also be improved, with a new Green room for performers, upgraded dressing rooms and a purpose-built rehearsal and education area.