In March 2015, a devastating fire destroyed much of the 125-year-old
Battersea Arts Centre. Three years later, with the help of award-winning architect Haworth Tompkins and more than 6,000 volunteers, the venue’s Grand Hall has reopened.
Battersea Art Centre’s rich heritage, beautiful Victorian architecture and creative spirit make it an interesting space for private and corporate events. Thankfully, the restoration has managed to save much of the original features to retain these characteristics (the walls that survived have been kept ‘as found’ in their scorched, post-fire richness).
New technical infrastructure has been added and concealed in the ceiling of the Grand Hall, (which is covered in a dramatic new lattice pattern inspired by the original 19th-century design). This allows for natural ventilation and even better technical, AV and acoustic possibilities.
‘It’s the first time the entire building has been fully open for the public to explore for 12 years, so the reopening marks a massive moment for us,’ said David Jubb, artistic director and CEO of
Battersea Art Centre.
The hall, which is flooded with daylight, can seat up to 300 for dinner (in-house catering), host up to 600 for a standing or theatre-styled reception, or 800 for gigs. If you want to make your guests feel even more special, there’s a private entrance via the Octagon Hall, which features a awe-inspiring mosaic floor and a stained-glass dome ceiling.
To mark the reopening, a five-month celebration has been set in motion, themed around risk-taking and renewal. Aptly named Phoenix Season, it will feature theatre (among it the play Missing, which was running when the fire erupted), stand-up comedy, film and music.
Want to join in on the party? Get in touch with the events team now by clicking the button below.