Phased redevelopment of the Grade II-listed theatre kept it open via a pop-up auditorium. New foyer and rooms were added. Fabric and services upgrades, with new low-carbon heating, delivered ambitious energy targets. Stage and fly system modernised. BREEAM Very Good. 2021 Stage Awards winner.

Theatr Clwyd, a Welsh cultural landmark, is being transformed from its ageing 1970s infrastructure into a state-of-the-art, environmentally responsible venue. Addressing long-term resilience, accessibility, and future sustainability, the project balances heritage conservation with a bold shift to fossil-fuel-free operation.
Upgrades include expanded public spaces with a striking timber-framed foyer, a double-height rehearsal room, a dedicated learning studio, and fully modernised performance facilities—enhancing usability, accessibility, and audience experience while showcasing Wales's creative talent. Ongoing community consultation enabled the theatre to evolve with and for its users.
Skelly & Couch led a full systems overhaul targeting an 85% cut in operational carbon emissions. With a BREEAM ‘Very Good' rating, the project aims to be among the UK's first zero on-site emissions cultural venues.

A fabric-first retrofit targetted airtightness of 5 m³/h/m² @ 50 Pa, delivering year-round comfort and reduced energy demand. High-performance insulation and triple-glazed windows stabilise indoor temperatures and eliminate drafts, while natural ventilation wherever possible ensures fresh air without reliance on mechanical systems. Green roofs and walls add insulation, enhance biodiversity, and foster a calming connection to nature.

The project adopts an all-electric, heat pump–based strategy to eliminate fossil fuels. Gas boilers are replaced with air-source heat pumps for low-carbon heating and hot water, cutting emissions by two-thirds. A 1,000 m² rooftop solar array generates clean energy on-site, while MVHR provides filtered fresh air where natural ventilation is insufficient, minimising energy loss. Rainwater harvesting supplies toilets, easing demand on local infrastructure and reinforcing responsible resource use.

Theatr Clwyd proves how sensitive adaptation and sustainable design can enrich one another, creating a flexible, future-ready venue that prioritises wellbeing, performance, and long-term resilience.

Testimonials

"Skelly & Couch are extremely experienced at working on complex buildings and their knowledge and great attention to detail have been very beneficial to this public-facing project.” Jack Tilbury, Client Project Manager, Plann Limited

Awards

2021 - Planning Awards finalist. Best Use of Arts, Culture or Sport in Placemaking
2021 - Stage Awards Winner, Regional Theatre of the Year