University of Reading Film Theatre and Television
Working under its Framework Agreement with the University of Reading, Heery is managing the £11.4m Film Theatre and Television Project. The existing department is located on the University's Bulmershe Court campus, which is scheduled for closure, so there is a need for a new building on the main University Whiteknights Campus. Following on from a detailed options appraisal, Heery is now leading the feasibility stage of the project, which includes design up to Stage C. The new building is planned to have two principal performance spaces as well as rehearsal rooms, a main screening room, and a television studio, along with all the ancillary support space and staff areas. Construction is due to commence towards the end of 2009, and it is anticipated that the department will be able to move into its new home over Easter 2011.
In parallel with this, Heery is managing a separate £11.8m project to refurbish the University's original purpose-built building on the Whiteknights campus, opened by the Queen in 1957. This building (the HumSS - or Humanities and Social Sciences Building) includes a further theatre space whose use is currently restricted both because of its fixed proscenium arch design and fire safety requirements. Heery's remit has recently been extended to review the options for remodelling this theatre space to allow maximum flexibility and associated statutory compliance.