Kier has been awarded the main construction contract to deliver the landmark Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot
Knowsley Council has awarded the Shakespeare North Playhouse contract to Kier Construction following the contractor’s involvement in the project since January 2018.
Kier was tasked with supporting the design process and delivering the initial enabling works on site. With this work now complete, the latest decision gives the green light for the main construction of the theatre to commence in January 2020.
Ian Tabbron, interim chief executive at the Shakespeare North Playhouse, said: “Awarding the contract to Kier is yet another positive sign of progress in our journey to complete the UK’s Shakespearean triangle in Prescot.
“The vision to create the Shakespeare North Playhouse has been many years in the making and moving into this exciting phase of major construction is a significant achievement.
“The sense of anticipation in the local area is tangible and it will be wonderful to see this project start to come out of the ground early in the new year.”
The Shakespeare North Playhouse project
When complete the Shakespeare North Playhouse will provide a 350 seat theatre, modelled on the cockpit-in-court design of the 17th century. Alongside the theatre will be an outdoor performance garden, exhibition and visitor centre and educational facilities.
Initial enabling works have already been completed on site and the offsite specialist construction of the historic timber framed theatre is also underway. The timber will be the centrepiece of the new building and is being manufactured by Peter McCurdy, a renowned creator of historic theatre including the Globe and the Sam Wanamaker Theatre.
Peter Commins, managing director of Kier Construction (North West) Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this project and to be part of team that will deliver a major cultural asset for the north of England.
“Working on development as high profile and prestigious as this is an absolute honour and I know I speak for the entire team when I say that we are excited to be able to complete the work we have started here and see this wonderful building come to life.”
It is expected that the building work on The Shakespeare North Playhouse will be finalised in spring 2022.
