Gilberts Proves How to Balance Cost-Effective Restoration

Hidden talents have been revealed in the renovation of an iconic 1930s art deco building to transform it into a modern entertainment venue – and Gilberts Blackpool ventilation features there…

The New Victoria was the largest ‘picture palace’ outside of London when it opened in 1930. Having closed its doors in 2000, the derelict building containing auditorium, ballroom, restaurant and lounges was facing demolition. It is being revitalised by Bradford Live into a modern, low carbon entertainment space with emphasis on retaining as much of the original interior décor as possible.

The challenge of preserving the heritage whilst bringing the building services up to a contemporary, appropriate standards fell to Buro Happold. As far as possible, air distribution was to be concealed behind the existing decorative elements, and to use existing ducting paths, albeit refurbished to modern standards, to minimise impact on the historic aesthetic elements.

The talents of Gilberts Blackpool were called upon to fulfil the discreet delivery and exhaust of air to ensure compliant ambient temperature and indoor air quality even when filled to capacity. The venue expects to welcome 300,000 visitors a year. 

Gilberts has provided a raft of grilles and diffusers, including bespoke variations to enhance their intrinsic performance within the confines of the existing building fabric.

The ballroom

In the ballroom, M&E contractor Pitts Wilson has installed Gilberts’ drum louvres – specifically developed to deliver the long throw required in such large areas – mounted 9m above the floor behind lattice style panelling in the ceiling. 

The bar area features Gilberts’ jet nozzles in purpose-designed banks of three complimented by discreet jumbo slot diffusers within the ornate ceiling to achieve the required degree of airflow and throw whilst addressing the limitation of branch ducts imposed by the interior design. 

In the main theatre, Gilberts’ drum louvres achieve the air circulation, supported by fixed and adjustable grilles for supply and extract. The entrance hall is aired by a combination of double deflection grilles and, in the circular ducting, appropriately-shaped single deflection grilles.

A spokesperson for Buro Happold Leeds comments: “Preserving and restoring original features while making the space appropriate for a contemporary clientele – within both an entertainment and commercial context – was a key challenge for the MEP team. As the refurbishment budget is limited, the design had to not only be efficient and aesthetically apt but also cost-effective. Gilberts’ range of solutions and its ability to create bespoke elements has been important in achieving the desired standard of efficiency with minimal intervention to fulfil the overall desired ‘as found’ look.”

Chris Patchett, Pitts Wilson Mechanical Contracts Manager, adds: “Gilberts has performed very well, being proactive and helpful throughout the project.”

Gilberts has a significant portfolio of delivering ventilation solutions for entertainment and leisure venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and Manchester’s PrintWorks. 

Contact:

Gilberts of Blackpool,
Gilair Works,
Clifton Road,
Blackpool,
FY4 40T

Phone: 01253 766911
Fax: 01253 767941

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