Last October, it was announced that the Grade 2-listed venue would remain closed until at least the end of next year after serious defects were discovered in its roof.
In April, initial refurbishment plans – include improving fire safety, strengthening floors and replacing the glass front of the box office and dance studio – were approved.
Now a fresh planning application has been put forward to freshen up the façade by repairing all cracks, installing new external lighting, and removing the first-floor conservatory.
Pictured: A new glass façade for the Opera House’s restaurant and box office area has already been approved.
The conservatory – which serves as an extension to central foyer – was added as part of a refurbishment in the late 1990s to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Opera House opening its doors to the public.
However, according to documents submitted by Morris Architects as part of the application, the conservatory is “now failing and allowing water to enter the building”. It also “overheats in summer and allows heat to easily escape from the building in the winter.”
If plans to remove it are approved, three windows will be added instead and replicas of historic mouldings which were removed when the conservatory was constructed will be added.
Outside light fittings, which have been in place since the late 1990s, will also be replaced and work will be undertaken to better waterproof the building.
The whole building will be repainted in shades of white and grey, which Morris Architects’ report says will “provide a neutral canvas for the new external lighting.”
Wider plans for the site include repairing the auditorium’s dome, re-upholstering the seats, laying new carpets and improving disabled access.
The latest application – which has been graded as ‘minor’ – will is before the Planning Department and will be decided at a later date.
LISTEN…
Express speaks to the Opera House’s Interim Director Andy Eagle about the state of the arts in Jersey, the potential the island has for nurturing future talent, and just when we might finally see the Opera House back in action…