In 2023, Culture Division were granted funding of £1.632 million of Treasury capital funding via Tynwald to upgrade the sound, lights and rigging system in the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre. We are pleased to be able to share an update on the project and how these works are being progressed by the relevant Division officers. Our aim is to provide further timely updates relating to Phase One and Phase Two in the next six months.
What is the upgrade to the technical infrastructure of VillaGaiety?
Prior to the approval of funding, the Gaiety Theatre and Villa Marina were last updated technologically with sound equipment in 1996 and 2004 respectively.
Figures compiled during the feasibility process of the capital application indicate an estimated saving of 16.16 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year for the Gaiety Theatre, and 2.65 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year for the Royal Hall. The new technology employed in the audio and lighting aspects of the project will reduce power consumption by approximately 50%. The equipment being installed across the performance spaces will be interchangeable allowing for greater flexibility in programming, and easier access for local hirers to utilise high quality equipment situated within the building.
What is the scale and timeline of the works?
This work is to be completed in three phases between 2024 and 2026.
Phase One – Royal Hall, Villa Marina 2024/25
Upgrade to sound system, lighting equipment, rigging equipment and improvement of acoustics within the room.
Phase Two – Promenade Suite, Villa Marina 2024/25
Upgrade to sound system, lighting equipment and improvement of acoustics within the room.
Phase Three – Gaiety Theatre 2025/26
Upgrade to sound system and lighting equipment.
What has happened on the project so far?
The sound, lights and rigging upgrade project at VillaGaiety is presently in Phase One of activity delivery, with the focus on the development of the Royal Hall infrastructure.
As of 31st October 2024 the procurement process to confirm two contracts in the Royal Hall phase of works and one contract in the Promenade Suite phase of works has been completed. The below companies have been awarded the contracts for each area.
The rigging element of Phase One is presently in the design development phase with the intended contract recipient to update the final budget prior to the contract being confirmed.
Phase One
Sound – Adlib Audio Ltd (to include products for Phase Two)
Lighting – Stage Electrics Ltd
Phase Two
Sound – Adlib Audio Ltd as part of the Royal Hall Tender
Lighting – To be confirmed
The design of the acoustic adaptation of the Royal Hall is in development in collaboration with Department of Infrastructure and specialist material manufacturers. Once we have a final design and implementation we’ll be sharing further images and information via the VillaGaiety news pages.
Sound equipment for the Promenade Suite will be purchased within the requirements for the Royal Hall to allow for interchangeable technical elements.
When will Phase One and Two be complete?
Phase One of the Royal Hall will be complete with rigging and sound infrastructure installed during the routine January closure of the buildings in 2025, this is largely in line with the original project timeline and does not impact the delivery of VillaGaiety’s live events programme. Lighting in the Royal Hall will be installed in phases depending on performance schedules in the latter part of 2024 and early 2025 alongside rigging delivery.
When will works in the Gaiety Theatre start in Phase Three?
Preparations for the procurement process for the Gaiety Theatre are ongoing through the creation of sound design and sound mapping of the building, and the development of a lighting design and preferred products list.
Procurement processes for the Gaiety Theatre will begin in early 2025 with the aim to appoint contractors by the end of April 2025. Installation in the Gaiety Theatre of lighting will be in instalments throughout 2025 when performances are not taking place, and the final installation of the sound infrastructure will be during the January 2026 maintenance closure of the building.
Is the project going to be delivered within the £1.632m budget and original timeline?
The timeline for all works to be completed is by the end of February 2026, which is in line with the originally submitted application. Based on contract awards within Phase One, it is projected to finish on budget, pending confirmation of costs for the Gaiety Theatre.
To date no issues have arisen with the procurement of the works, and careful planning is in place regarding the final installation of the infrastructure in collaboration with specialist contractors.