The concept images of the estimated £45 million project were revealed for the first time during Sheffield City Council’s strategy and resources committee yesterday (16 July), which approved the next stage of design work and the preparation of a full business case.

The RHWL-designed landmark was last given an overhaul in 2010 – a £15 million refurbishment led by the architecture firm Burrell Foley Fischer, which included the modernisation of the icon venues’ front-of-house areas.

The latest plans feature a redesigned entrance, a balcony overlooking Tudor Square and the transformation of the main performance space, increasing its capacity by 50 per cent, from its current 964 seats to a 1,500-seat theatre ‘in the round’.

There will also be other improvements to both the ‘visitor experience’ and the behind-the-scenes facilities. including a new kitchen and café.

Councillor Fran Belbin, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: ‘These new images bring the vision for its future to life showing how we can preserve both its unique atmosphere and its legacy while creating a modern, sustainable venue fit for generations to come.

‘This investment represents a huge vote of confidence in Sheffield’s cultural offer and city centre, and we’re taking an important step towards securing the long-term future of this world-renowned venue and the economic, social and cultural benefits it brings to our city.’

Allies and Morrison has worked alongside Charcoablue and ARUP on the feasibility study commissioned by the city council, which owns the building, and its operator, Sheffield Theatres.

The existing entrance to the Crucible Theatre. This new frontage to Tudor Square was added by Burrell Foley Fischer inthe 2010 overhaul.

Source: Shutterstock

The committee’s thumbs up allows for further progress to be made on the funding strategy for the project.

Earlier this year, the local authority, Sheffield Theatres and World Snooker said they had reached an agreement in principle to keep the Snooker World Championships event in South Yorkshire city until at least 2045, with the option to extend for an additional five years.

Oliver Heywood, Director at Allies and Morrison, said: ‘The Crucible has been tightly woven into the cultural fabric of the city for over 50 years, and this project will ensure it continues to thrive as a world-class producing theatre and the home of the World Snooker Championship [since 1977].

‘Our work focuses on three areas: introducing the ability to temporarily expand the capacity of the auditorium for snooker and in-the-round theatre productions, the expansion of the public and support areas to accommodate the increased occupancy, and improvements to the exterior of the building to better engage with and enliven the adjacent public realm.’

Heywood added that the designs have been inspired by the ‘spirit of the original building’, which he described as a beacon ‘of culture and community’. He said: ‘These proposals will restore and celebrate this character while equipping it for the future.’