York Handmade plays pivotal role in the restoration of iconic Welsh theatre

The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a pivotal role in a restoration of Theatr Clwyd in North Wales.

York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, has supplied 37,000 specially manufactured bricks for the theatre, which had become unfit for purpose.

This significant contract was worth £37,000 to York Handmade, one of the leading independent brickmakers in the country.

York Handmade partnered closely with brick factor RGB Facades and architects Haworth Tompkins to create and supply a bespoke blend of handmade bricks, which were sympathetic in both colour and texture to the existing brickwork of the theatre.

The regeneration project will be completed this Spring, with a grand opening in the summer.

Mark Laksevics, York Handmade’s senior sales manager, commented: “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.

“We have recently invested £1.5 million in brand-new machinery which has transformed how we make our bricks. Over the years, we have undertaken significant technological improvements, culminating in this overhaul and renewal of our manufacturing process, which has speeded up production, facilitated two brand-new products and increased efficiency.

“This investment will enable us to manufacture high-quality, UK-made bricks for many years to come and it reflects our commitment to the brick industry and the astounding architectural projects using bricks,” explained Mark.

The project team for Stirling Prize Winning Architects Haworth Tompkins explained: “The restoration of the theatre involves a range of large-scale interventions including the introduction of a new mass timber foyer, new workshop and rehearsal spaces to compliment the theatres existing venues while vastly improving the environmental performance of the building. 

“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 team added: “It’s a real pleasure to be working with the inspirational Theatr Clywd team on such a crucial project for the people of Wales. Together we’re aiming to transform the existing building into an exemplary cultural and community space for the 21st century, fully aware that the climate emergency demands a whole new architectural approach to materials and carbon use.” 

Meanwhile Andrew Roberts of Theatr Clwyd added: “Theatr Clwyd first opened in 1976 and is currently undergoing a multimillion-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.”

For further information visit www.yorkhandmade.co.uk