Sustainability is key for the renovation of 抖阴APP导航鈥檚 iconic Emma Cons Hall
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The extensive renovation of 抖阴APP导航鈥檚 Emma Cons Hall is well underway, making a significant investment in its sustainability and accessibility to create a modern multi-purpose performance space.
The transformative project is being delivered by Overbury. Nigel Busby, the project manager, shared insights into the ambitious refurbishment project which began in February 2025. A key highlight is the complete overhaul of the hall鈥檚 roof and ceiling infrastructure.
鈥淭he new roof is being designed to significantly reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency,鈥� Nigel explained. 鈥淭he old roof had little to no insulation, but the new one will drastically cut heat loss and heating bills鈥攕upporting 抖阴APP导航鈥檚 commitment to sustainability.鈥�
The first milestone was the installation of a very extensive scaffolding system required to safely access and upgrade the high-level areas. 鈥淲e鈥檙e working from the top down,鈥� Nigel said. 鈥淲e stripped out the old ceiling, sprayed everything black to ensure a sleek finish, and are now installing new ductwork and cable trays to support lighting, IT, and sound infrastructure.鈥�
Modern Infrastructure
The hall is being future-proofed with a flexible grid system, allowing easy adjustments to lighting and cabling. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a complete reimagining of the space. We鈥檙e installing a new control room overlooking the hall, which will manage sound and lighting during events. The house lighting, which sits between the new acoustic panels, will be fully dimmable, giving precise control over the atmosphere.鈥�
Sustainability
The renovation places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with a 99% recycling rate for materials stripped from the hall. Original items such as lighting and air conditioning units have been repurposed for other areas of the college.
The renovation also includes new crittall windows, secondary glazing for improved acoustics, and motorised blackout blinds, replacing the hall鈥檚 former curtains. 鈥淲e鈥檙e enhancing both energy performance and usability鈥�.
Historic murals in the hall remain untouched in the first phase of the project, but will benefit from a dramatically improved viewing experience thanks to a raised floor level. 鈥淭he new floor will bring visitors eye-to-eye with the murals, transforming the way the artwork is experienced,鈥� Nigel said.
A new entrance to the Johnny Harris Theatre
Work is progressing on the Johnny Harris Studio Theatre, designed to improve accessibility and flexibility. This includes the installation of a new lift and strengthened steelwork to form a new entrance and reception space.
鈥淭he vision is to allow simultaneous events in Emma Cons Hall and the Johnny Harris Theatre,鈥� Nigel added. 鈥淎coustic walls and doors have been fitted to ensure that sound from one space won鈥檛 disturb the other.鈥�
With milestones such as the control room construction and installation of acoustic panels approaching, the project is on track for completion later this year. The upgraded Emma Cons Hall promises to be a modern, flexible performance space that honours its rich heritage while embracing 21st-century technology.
