Nest for a Youth Theatre
- Location: Bangor, Wales
- Budget: £3.5m
- Status: Competition Shortlisted
- Type: Public, Historic, Reuse
A proposal to convert a Grade II Listed church into a new theatre venue and social hub for Frân Wen in North Wales.
Our proposal develops the undercroft space and places a new porch entrance on the west façade. This allowed us to create a more inviting, visible frontage for the building as well as a truly barrier-free entrance that could be used by people of all abilities. The generous volume of the church is kept largely unobstructed for the main theatre spaces and a cafe at the heart of the building.
A new entrance terrace provides a space for gathering outside and for changing art installations. To the south of this, a new public square is intended for a range of events and performances. This square is lined with individual artist incubator pods and a larger studio pavilion which can open up for outdoor performances. A wildflower meadow, a community orchard, small performance spaces and meandering pathways through the trees intend to reinforce the story-book character of the site and facilitate informal events and social interaction.
An interesting brief, a beautiful woodland site and existing building and an ambitious client is always a great mix. Special thanks to Price & Meyers, Max Fordham, CW Studio, BB Heritage Studio and Appleyard & Trew for their help with the submission.