Restoring Footbridge Theatre: Modern standards, historic preservation
The Footbridge Theatre, located within the University of Sydney, holds a rich history as a cultural and educational hub. Since opening in 1961, its stage transitioned away from theatre performances to be used solely as a lecture hall for the last 20 years.
The University sought to restore the building to its original use, whilst upgrading the theatre fit out to suit modern standards. Northrop approached this project with a clear goal: to minimise the cost of strengthening works by validating the structural integrity of the existing building. Ensuring fire safety compliance, completing remedial works, and certifying the structure for new loads were all challenges that had to be addressed without compromising the theatre's historical significance or functionality.
The absence of original construction drawings added complexity to the project. Northrop addressed this by defining a clear scope for exploratory work during the investigation and feasibility phase, allowing for a more accurate forecast of project costs. Engineering tasks involved extensive structural investigations and analysis, specialist timber reviews, thorough fire-rating assessments and remedial works to extend the service life of the original steel fly-grid support structure. Creative, cost-effective design solutions to repair and reuse existing elements were identified, avoiding full replacements wherever possible.
Pip Easling, Associate and Structural Engineer shared “Footbridge was the kind of project where there were no typical details; everything was developed on site as opening up works were completed. Northrop often attended site to workshop details with Hansen Yuncken and the relevant subcontractors whilst physically looking at the constraints to agree on the best outcome. This collaborative approach allowed us to streamline the construction detailing process where ideas came from around the table, saving our client time and frustration of emailing back and forth between stakeholders.”
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Client: Hansen Yuncken
Year: 2024
Location: Sydney, NSW
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