The University of Southampton project, which also tackles asbestos and ageing concrete in the copper-clad building at the heart of Highfield Campus, is due to be finished by the end of the year.
Southampton City Council has granted prior approval for the demolition of the existing link structure between the theatre and neighbouring Building 4, and the construction of a new foyer in its place.
The existing Nuffield Theatre entrance at University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus. Picture: UoS/WilkinsonEyre/SCC planning portal
The decision, made under permitted development rules, was issued on March 20 and means work can now move ahead on bringing the largely unused auditorium and surrounding teaching spaces back into use.
The university said work is due to begin in early April.
As reported, the work will create a modern lecture theatre and teaching suite, and allow the university to host conference events and theatre productions.
There will be new seating and an improved layout in the 400-seat auditorium to boost capacity and accessibility.
CGI of the refurbished Nuffield Theatre foyer at University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus. Picture: UoS/WilkinsonEyre/SCC planning portal
Works will strip out asbestos and address reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the 1960s building, which was designed by the office of Sir Basil Spence.
The latest council report confirms the link block will be demolished and replaced by a new, roughly 220sq m foyer with entrance canopies, new window openings with matching brick piers, a new fire escape and replacement roof lights.
Heritage and design officers backed the approach, saying the alterations are sensitive to the original architecture and will secure the future of what they describe as a unique and visually important building on campus.
CGI of the refurbished auditorium of the Nuffield Theatre at University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus. Picture: UoS/WilkinsonEyre/SCC planning portal
When the plans were unveiled, university bosses said the scheme was part of wider investment in “inspiring places to learn, work, and visit” and a “new future” for the former home of Nuffield Southampton Theatres, which closed in 2020.
They have hailed the chance to take a building with “so much valued history and shared community memory” into a new era while respecting its legacy.
Kieron Broadhead, University of Southampton’s deputy vice-president for operations, previously said: “The Nuffield sits right at the heart of Highfield Campus and this refurbishment is part of our ongoing investment programme to provide our students, colleagues and the local community with inspiring places to learn, work, and visit.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to provide a new future for this building, which will ensure responsible use of our own estate to meet the university’s need for additional, large-scale teaching space.”