York Handmade helps revive Welsh theatre

A North Yorkshire brickmaker has played an “integral” role in the restoration of a historic North Wales theatre.

York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, supplied 37,000 specially manufactured bricks for Theatr Clwyd.

The contract saw the firm collaborate with brick factor RGB Facades and architects Haworth Tompkins to create and supply handmade bricks that blend seamlessly with the existing structure.

Mark Laksevics, York Handmade’s senior sales manager, said: “This has been a significant project for us, especially in the context of these challenging economic times. 

“We have a proud track record in working with artistic establishments and projects, notably Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, and it has given us great pleasure to be involved in the renaissance of Theatr Clwyd, one of Wales’s finest theatres.

“It has been a joy working with RGB Facades and award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins to bring this acclaimed theatre into the 21st century. 

“We believe our bricks are an integral part of the stunning theatre, which will prove to be a major and sustainable community asset.”

The project team for Stirling Prize winning architects Haworth Tompkins added: “York Handmade’s bricks are being using primarily on the new workshop, foyer staircase and other smaller interventions where there has been a need from a heritage standpoint to try and respectfully match the existing brickwork of the theatre.

“While from a distance the building looks like it is purely red brick, there is in fact a great deal of variation in tones ranging from sandy browns to pinky purple tones. 

“As such, we needed to work with a brickmaker who could provide a mix that could stand side by side both in colour and texture with the existing brick.

“We have previously worked with York Handmade on the Perse School Performing Arts Centre, in Cambridge.  

“The new brick elements appear in keeping with the original scheme, which is exactly what was needed.”

The theatre’s regeneration is set to be completed this spring, with a grand reopening planned for the summer.

Andrew Roberts, Theatr Clwyd operations, finance and people director, added: “Theatr Clwyd first opened in 1976 and is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound redevelopment. 

“We are thrilled to have been working with York Handmade Brick. 

“They have allowed us to source a brick that matches the originals and helps to maintain the integrity of this Grade II-listed building.”

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