The iconic Grade II* listed Hammersmith Apollo, which was designed by Robert Cromie in Art Deco style, originally opened in 1932 as the Gaumont Palace, later becoming the Hammersmith Odeon.
We restored the building to its former Art Deco glory, with designs from the award-winning architects, Foster Wilson. Throughout the restoration we were sensitive to the historically sensitive decoration.
The restoration included the installation of five new bars, new seats to stalls and the refurbishment of the ticket office, VIP rooms and dressing rooms. We made significant alterations to the stage and installed a new organ lift. We installed new floor finishes throughout, including cable route ducts to the auditorium floor. We decorated throughout the building, using specialist scaffolding and equipment to reach the auditorium ceiling height. We restored ornate plasterwork and installed multi-coloured LED lighting; and restored existing Crittall windows and acid etched glazing to the front elevation.
During the contract we uncovered a number of previously hidden features, including friezes by the artist, Newbury Abbott Trent, decorative art deco glass, two marble staircases, and a uniquely patterned terrazzo floor, which we stripped back and provided with specialist treatments.
The requirement was to deliver this high profile multi million pound project within a challenging nine week site construction programme, to ensure that the venue was ready for its first concert. We achieved this by successfully working with the Client and Design Team, attending regular design development meetings pre construction as well as building prototypes for the Client’s approval.
