Pictured above: Repton School theatre

Derbyshire firm Wildgoose Construction has completed work on an ambitious £2.7m project to rebuild a theatre at a county school.

The 400 Hall theatre complex at Repton School incorporates state of the art elements and a striking contemporary design.

Architects for the project were Avery Associates, of London, who were responsible for the recent redevelopment of the Vandburgh theatre at RADA. 

Work on the theatre was overseen on a daily basis by Matthew Montague architects, of Derby.

The auditorium has been transformed and includes moveable and adjustable tiered seating with a capacity of more than 300.

A tension wire grid has been installed in the roof space which provides flexibility for placing lighting and is safer than using tower scaffolding.

Permanent sound and lighting control booths have been installed at the back of the first floor with a new high-spec sound system.

The build also saw the theatre's foyer remodelled to include a prism which allows natural light in during the day and is lit internally at night. There is also a bar and ticket office.

The theatre has improved cloakroom facilities and disabled access which is compliant with current regulations and includes built-in ramps and a mini-lift.

As well as students, the theatre will be available to local schools, clubs and small-scale touring theatre productions.

Tim Walker, managing director of Wildgoose Construction, said the firm was thrilled with the completed theatre.

He said: 'Wildgoose Construction is very proud to be associated with this magnificent and inspiring theatre development project at Repton School and to have also worked with the architects and theatre consultants who have been responsible for some of the major arts and musical academy projects throughout the country.

"The project was one of the most interesting and challenging contracts we have recently undertaken, with all of the work taking place within a confined existing building and with the extra consideration of being on a live school campus, where the safety of pupils and staff during the construction period was at the forefront of our planning.

"The completed theatre development now reflects the outstanding quality of performance that has always been associated with the school. We are delighted to have been able to contribute to the success of the project which will be enjoyed by staff, pupils and parents  for generations to come".

Robert Holroyd, headmaster at Repton School, said they were very happy with the newly refurbished theatre.

He said: "The auditorium has been transformed and is now a facility worthy of the professional quality drama that Repton's pupils are producing. 

"Wildgoose have been imaginative, attentive to detail and thorough in all aspects of the operation and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with them." 

Tony Simms, from Matthew Montague architects, said he was pleased with the finished theatre.

He said: "The building conversion was complex involving considerable structural alterations, extensive installation of technical services and requiring a high standard for internal finishings.

"Wildgoose Construction has achieved these objectives and the completed project now provides an exciting new facility for the school."

To mark the hand-over of the theatre, Wildgoose held an event for sub-contractors and interested parties, at Repton School, which saw the students perform on stage.

At the event, Jonathan Wildgoose, chairman of Wildgoose Construction, handed over a donation of £4,000 to the school's Passing It On project, including contributions from the two main sub-contractors on the build, Cass Electric and Hawthorn Theatrical Ltd.

Passing It On is aiming to finance educational projects and build schools in some of the most deprived regions of Africa.