Altro contributes to regeneration of 1950s' Belgrade Theatre.

The Belgrade Theatre was built in 1958 as part of the reconstruction of Coventry after World War II. Holding audiences of 858 in its two-tier main auditorium, and 250-300 in the flexible, second space, B2, it remains one of the largest regional producing theatres in Britain.

The theatre also played a pivotal role in the successful bid for Coventry to become UK City of Culture 2021 and underwent a £5.4m refurbishment programme.

Harriet Lazzeri, design director at Lazzeri Creative Interiors, was enlisted to support on the interior design of the public areas as part of the refurbishment and needed to find a perfect balance of functionality and style, reflecting the historic 1950s’ origin of the building. The brief was to create a modern space for the many different types of audiences who make the theatre their home-from-home - to meet, work or relax.

Harriet had used Altro floors and walls in previous projects and explained, “The Belgrade Theatre was looking for an inclusive, comfortable yet theatrical feel for the bar and café areas. The design led us to a polished concrete-effect to match the supporting pillars.”

For the project Altro Ensemble in platinum concrete was just the ticket, giving the Nineteen 58 bar and The Belgrade Café sleek, industrial finishes. A modular flooring system of luxury vinyl tiles, Ensemble gives complete design freedom, while offering 15dB sound reduction.

Altro Stronghold was specified for the bar and commercial kitchen for its superior slip resistance and comfort underfoot for busy staff. This product achieves PTV ≥55, R12, minimising risk in areas exposed to grease, oils and fats for the lifetime of the flooring. Its 3mm thickness provides noise reduction and comfort underfoot.

Discover more here, and pick up Altro samples at Material Source Studio, Manchester and Glasgow.