We’re pleased to share the completion of a new extension to the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft by Foster Wilson Size.

The project was delivered for Lowestoft Town Council in partnership with the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk Council with a grant from the UK Government’s Towns Fund investment in Lowestoft town centre.

The new link building connects the two halves of the theatre; providing new toilets on every level, a wheelchair-accessible lift, an accessible box office, and improved theatre legroom.

The Marina has a long history of adaptation. Originally built as a skating rink, it was converted into a theatre in 1878 before being substantially rebuilt by Ernest Runtz in 1901 and Francis Burdett in 1930. Today, the 630-seat theatre remains a popular venue for drama, music, comedy and film.

The new auditorium carpet, based on an original 1930's pattern, is intended to fit the theatre’s Art Deco interior, while the extension improves accessibility and supports the continued use of the building as an important cultural venue for Lowestoft.

The project was featured in Architects' Journal First Look, read more here