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Howe Green’s metal fabricated access covers were selected for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s studio theatre renovation project, ‘The Other Place’ in Stratford-upon-Avon. The transformed venue reopened earlier this year and houses a new 200-seat theatre space along with the RSC’s extensive costume store. Importantly, ‘The Other Place’ provides a chief learning hub for students from the University of Birmingham.
The aluminium 7500 Series access covers were fitted on the ground floor to provide easy access to underfloor ducting services throughout the building. Main Contractor BAM Construction fitted the panels on a suspended concrete slab. Once installed they were in-filled with K-screed followed by a resin finish to create a discreet access solution for routine and emergency servicing. The covers have a minimal show-edge and can be easily raised with lifting keys. They are made to sit flush with the surround, guarding against the risk of slips and trips.
Suitable anywhere heavy loading is required – the 7500 Series access covers can accommodate a 5-tonne pressure from a pneumatic tyre. Highly durable and double-sealed to prevent dirt and grease ingress, each access panel from Howe Green is made to the client’s exact specifications, but without the price premium typically associated with bespoke manufacturing. Instead, Howe Green is able to offer competitively priced panels, designed for purpose with a fast turnaround.
Originally built in 1973, The Other Place was home to the RSC’s developmental and new work, housing many landmark productions with RSC alumni such as Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren, and research and development of major productions such as Les Miserables and Matilda, The Musical. The theatre closed in 2006 to make way for the temporary Courtyard Theatre, where the RSC performed during the transformation of the Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres.
After a 12 month building project the new Other Place includes a 200-seat flexible studio theatre, built within the external steel structure of The Courtyard Theatre, two new rehearsal rooms, and a new home for the RSC’s 40,000 piece Costume Store, giving people access to the Store for the first time via a new theatre tour.
Howe Green’s medium duty access covers will perform for the lifetime of the building and ensure that whenever the need arises, reaching underfloor services serving the venue will be straightforward and drama-free. Find out more about Howe Green’s 7500 Series Floor Access Covers here http://www.howegreen.com/access-covers/floor/medium-duty.php