Project summary

The proposals for the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith will be the largest cultural capital development to take place in West London for many years. The project will transform the building into a new kind of cultural and educational complex that will be the first of its kind in the UK.

Modelled as the first 'teaching theatre' for the performing arts, the new facilities will provide a unique learning environment for young people. At the heart of the Lyric artists and teachers will collaborate to inspire young people to become the artists, art managers and audiences of the future.

The new facilities will be built on a site directly adjacent and linked to the Lyric's existing building, and will include theatre, dance, TV and recording studios, a new scenic workshop, a cinema, meeting rooms and more space for young people, audiences and theatre makers to create amazing theatre, hang out and learn. Sustainability will be an important part of the project with renewable energy sources and natural materials being used to create and maintain the building once completed.

Once the new facilities are fully operational, up to 200 young people are expected to use the facilities each day to participate in formal training and/or positive activities, and up to 20,000 young people each year many of whom will achieve formal qualifications. All the activities will be openly available to all local young people with a strong emphasis placed on engaging young people with complex needs working in partnership with relevant agencies such as youth offending teams, social services and the Connexions service.

Charcoalblue has provided detailed design of all of the technical theatre systems for the project, and is overseeing the installation of these systems on site during the building works.

"A project that highlights the use of the arts to aid and transform young peoples' lives."

Will Young - singer and actor