Case Study – Leisure

Project: Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Client: Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council
Architect: Austin Smith Lord
Main Contractor: Willmott Dixon

Laidlaw in the spotlight at Shrewsbury’s ‘Theatre Severn’

The recently built £28 million ‘Theatre Severn’, designed by Austin Smith Lord, was described on its opening as a “dose of cultural dynamite” for the region. Occupying a prominent position overlooking the River Severn in Shrewsbury, on the opposite bank to the old music hall which it replaced, the 650-seat venue built by Willmott Dixon provides further illustration of the diversity of major projects in which Laidlaw Solutions’ products are being specified. In what is set to enhance Shrewsbury’s reputation as the region’s cultural capital, the flagship theatre, which houses a 638-seat main auditorium, 250-seat 'Walker' Theatre, dance studio, exhibition space, restaurant and the 'Chapel' Bar was officially opened by H.R.H. Prince Edward on 25th March.  

Among the many co-ordinated items of door furniture supplied to the project, Orbis Commercial levers and pull handles in Silk Anodised Aluminium and Satin Stainless Steel were installed alongside Normbau Nylon Lever Sets and a series of Arrow architectural closers and Salto locksets. Orbis Commercial’s simple styling in stainless steel offers a high standard of performance, guaranteed for a minimum of 10 years, while the Normbau nylon offers a scratch resistant, anti-static finish in RAL colours which will not fade. With a variety of fixings including back-to-back, bolt through and face fixed – with or without rose, specifiers have an extensive array of configuration options.  Complementary accessories are available for both Orbis Commercial and Normbau ranges, in the latter case extending to 'Special Needs' fittings.  Willmott Dixon Operations Manager Harry Dhanjal commented “Laidlaw’s ability to produce fully detailed, door by door ironmongery schedules made life very straightforward on this project. The support of their project management and estimating teams showed how experienced the company is at managing projects of this scale”.

For Theatre Severn, contemporary interior styling was particularly important and sell-out performances throughout the year will ensure that doorset performance is put to the ultimate test. Orbis Classic door furniture provides an ideal contrast to the distinctive Normbau colour range, factory preparation of the hardware guaranteeing perfect installation, long-term durability and lasting aesthetics.