The work will focus on the roof of the 1950s building as well as improvements to drainage and technical systems to ensure the venue remains operational for years to come.
Haworth Tompkins has now been confirmed to be leading the design of the project, which will use £10 million out of a £30 million government funding package set aside for London’s cultural venues, museums and libraries.
This money comes from the recently announced £1.5 billion England-wide Arts Everywhere Fund which allocated cash to 130 organisations across England in the first round of grants.
Haworth Tompkins won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2014 for its Everyman Theatre project, reusing 90 per cent of materials from an original 1964 building in the retrofit scheme.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Royal Festival Hall, which was designed by LCC architects Leslie Martin, Robert Matthew and Peter Moro as the centrepiece of the 1951 Festival of Britain.
In 2007 the venue reopened after a two-year, £100 million, full-scale renovation by Allies and Morrison, which removed some later additions to the building and upgraded both internal and external spaces while focusing on the original design ideas.
The chief executive officer of the Southbank Centre, Elaine Bedell, wrote in a post on LinkedIn: ‘Great art needs great infrastructure and this vital funding will help us fix leaking roofs, replace failing glazing and modernise our rigging systems, ensuring our doors stay wide open for the millions of visitors who bring this site to life every year.’
Bedell added that by securing the ‘bricks and mortar’ of the centre, the investment would allow the Festival Hall to focus on ‘driving growth in the UK’s creative economy and delivering world-class cultural experiences that bring people together’.
The majority of the money for the scheme is being allocated through the Creative Foundations Fund, which is funnelled into repair and upgrade works at galleries, theatres and events spaces.
As well as the Southbank Centre, the Royal Opera House has received £5 million, while £1.75 million has been given to the Theatre Royal Stratford East.
Michelle Walker, London Area Director, Arts Council England, said: ‘This significant investment is a vital step in safeguarding the future of cultural venues, museums and libraries at a time when many are facing real challenges.
‘Across London, these spaces are the backbone of our city, where communities come together.’
Haworth Tompkins has been contacted for comment.
Royal Festival Hall in 1951 Photo: Galwey Arphot