THEATRE SQUARE AND NW2 PARTICIPATION BUILDING, IPSWICH

The Theatre Square and new NW2 building should be celebrated as an extraordinary public / private partnership where the involvement of a key community stakeholder, the New Wolsey Theatre, and open minded approach of a private developer delivered a revitalised public space and new theatre Participation building. 

Both refurbished public space and new building have been designed to incorporate a high degree of accessibility and generally aim to inject a sense of inclusivity and vibrancy to an otherwise overlooked urban area in the middle of the city. 

The influence of the performing arts can be read in the design response with playful forms and materials that offer character, drama and joy to a hard-edged urban space adjacent to the town’s inner ring road. The building has already developed positive notoriety with locals and offers exciting new possibilities for the theatre’s operations and prominence within the community.