Alex McLennan

The main Core Theatre is a three-tiered Victorian-styled auditorium that has the ability to cater for everything from flat floor events to traditional theatre performances. The curved retractable seating unit sits within the traditional horseshoe shaped balconies.  this was a critical and significant design consideration.

The rehearsal studio space - The Lab - although simple, is a fully functioning, professional performance space. The room has its own unique identity as opposed to being just a 'black-box' anonymous space.

The Cube project also incorporates public realm works as part of a wider master plan to regenerate Corby. The ‘Corby Walk’ is a key part of the development and links historic woodland in the heart of Corby with the town centre via a tree-lined boulevard that merges with the surrounding forest.

The Corby Cube has become a highly successful venue, in particular for performers trying out new acts before making London debuts.

The project was the first theatre to gain a BREEM Excellent rating - a world-class sustainable public facility for Corby.

Services provided

Appointed as design coordinator by Corby Borough Council to provide construction programme and design management for the theatre, fit out and public realm landscaping. The first stage of the brief was to ensure the Contractor Design Packages were fully co-ordinated with the completed reinforced concrete frame. This required commissioning a 3D model of the theatre spaces to inform M&E and specialist cabling service routes and the design of the secondary steel work for the extensive high level technical walkway.

The second stage required working closely with Charcoalblue, the specialist contractors providing lighting, audio visual, stage engineering and the building design team with the Main Contractor. This collaborative approach ensured that the functionality and quality of finish could be achieved in line with the building programme and budget.

The theatre is a truly fantastic space, completely flexible, moving from flat floor to conventional proscenium arch, it really does offer us the opportunity to deliver almost anything.

Chris Sudworth, Creative Director, The Core Theatre

Charcoalblue worked with Alex McLennan on the delivery of the Cube in Corby. Alex joined the client team at a critical time for the project and his care, experience and attention to detail got the job over the finishing line.

Paul Crosbie, Senior Consultant Charcoalblue