FOOTPRINT 2026

Theatr Clwyd is a cornerstone of North Wales’ arts scene, operating as a major producing theatre and regional cultural hub with a diverse estate of performance, rehearsal and support spaces. Developed incrementally over time, the aggregated buildings on the site are representative of many complex cultural and educational campuses across the UK, where varied construction types and intensive occupancy place significant demands on building services. Assembly spaces in particular present challenging environmental requirements, balancing audience comfort, performer needs and energy efficiency.

This presentation explores how the project team approached the retrofit of Theatr Clwyd to future-proof the building, improve thermal comfort and significantly reduce operational costs. It will focus on the strategy and delivery of targeted thermal fabric upgrades alongside the electrification of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Attendees will gain insight into working within an operational theatre environment, coordinating interventions across a complex estate, and delivering a low-carbon retrofit solution that supports both artistic ambition and long-term sustainability.