Battersea Arts Centre: Blog

Building works update – The Courtyard

BAC Anne W
The Courtyard Theatre, inspired by Teatro Oficina. Sketch by Steve Tompkins.

A jungle-gym of scaffolding fills the Courtyard of our building.  Ladders and gangways allow builders to move vertically and horizontally through the space, creating levels that didn’t exist before.  When the works are complete, the Courtyard will be twice the size of its original footprint – it will become the lung of the building, and a brand new open-air theatre.

The Courtyard, before works began. The footprint of the Courtyard will double once the works are finished.
The Courtyard east chimney and lift shaft. The location of the lift will move to the opposite wall, making access easier and opening up space in the Courtyard.
The chimney on the east side of the Courtyard supported by scaffolding.  The lift shaft (seen in the photo before) has now been removed to create extra space at floor level.
The works well under way: A view into the courtyard from above what used to be the Grand Hall kitchen.
A view of the Courtyard, facing west – a labyrinth of scaffolding.
Glazed white bricks will build new walls in the Courtyard where space has been created, highlighting where history meets the present day.