FMP Feasibility Study: The Gaiety Theatre Cardiff

Feasibility Study The Gaiety Theatre Cardiff

Erica Takawira Final Project Part 1 2020

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Building Analysis

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Historic Maps

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Location

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The Gaiety Theatre is located at the northern end of City Road, Cardiff. Opposite is Glenroy Street and Keppoch Street. The building was constrcuted in 1912 as a theatre and skating rink under the name ‘The Gaiety’ and is one of the oldest remainging cinema’s in Cardiff. The building was commisioned

by The Gaiety Electric Theatre & Rint Company LTD and designed by architect H.P. Sanders.

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© Crown copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey (100025252). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

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Oct 07, 2020 21:01 Erica Takawira University of South Wales

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Projection: British National Grid

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Erica Takawira Final Major Project Proposal 2020

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Visual Facade Timeline

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• 1912 - The building was constructed • 1932 - Site expanded from 800 to 1500 capacity theatre • 1961- Cinema business failed - building converted to a bingo hall • 1998 - The building was closed and no longer in use • 2001- Building is converted into a bowling alley • 2006 - The building closed and left to degrade • 2012 - Building occupied by squatters and anarchist group ‘The Gremlins’.

• 2018 - New student accomodation proposed for site

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Key Developement Dates

1901

Significance Plan Phase I 1912 Ground Floor

Phase III 1919 Phase VII 2001

Phase I 1912 Phase III 1919 Upper Floors

The Gaiety occupies a roughly rectangular footprint with overall dimensions of 46.16m by 15.16m. The front of the building comprises of four storeys and the rear, two storeys.

Phase IV 1923 Phase VII 2001

Significant Features

Internally most of the originale fixture have been removed .

The remaining features from 1912 are the stairs at the front of the building, the projection room cut outs and the perimeter walls. The front facade retains the most originale features, notably the two domes either side of the entrance. The domes originally had two windows and a door but these have been covered up and used for advertisements. There is also some decorative plaster work which seems to be visable in photos that date back as far as 1970. Other features include the curved barrel vaulted ceiling from the originle theatre space on the first floor.

Positives • • • •

Large Building Central location Good access routes Original interior removed

Negatives • • • • •

Very poor condition Associated with anti social behaviour High traffic volume Residential properties to the rear of site Limited access at the rear of site

Site Analysis City Heights Studdent Accomadation

This is a new building completed in August 2020, it provides accomadation for students and has two retail units on the ground floor level. This same design is what has been proposed for the former Gaiety Theatre site.

City Road

This road consists of a mixture of takeways, retail and residential lots. It is a hive of activity, with a high mix of cultural groups.

Access Map

Sun Path

The building recieves direct sunlight in the morning from the east and the back recevies direct sunlight in the evening from the west.

Richmond Road and Northcote Street

Both are made up of residential buildings. Richmondroads residential buildings are at the back of the building so some consideration will need to be taken in regards to noise levels.

Erica Takawira Final Major Project Proposal 2020

Access To Site

The site is very accessable by all means of transport. There are very good bus links with more than three different bus routes operating up City road. The site has a lane down the side of the building which connects to a lane at the back of the building. This can be accessed by vehicle however it is very tight and only allows one lane of traffic.

Local Context - City Road

City Road is situated adjacent to the densely populated residential areas of Plasnewydd and Cathays. It is highly accessible by foot and public transport, which is particularly important given 44% of the surrounding population are without access to a car. The road is well used by Cardiff ’s student population. Roughly 10% of Cardiffs population consists of students.

City road is very culturally diverse and has a rich history in entrepreneurship. In 1889 154 properties lined the street, 101 of them commercial enterprise and the rest private residences.

Even today City road has a vast number of bussiness’ and attracts entrepenurs from all walks of life.

Developements down City road The Cascade - Affordable residential high rise.

Student Accomadations - All built in the last decade

A1 - Retail sale of goods A2 - Finacial and professional services A3 - Food and drink

City Road is one of the oldest roads in the Roath area dating back to medieval times. It was first called Plucca Lane until around 1870 when it was was renamed Castle Road, after Roath Castle (Mackintosh House). In 1905 the road was renamed City Road in honour of Cardiff gaining city status. During the 19th century City Road 2020 the road was an area used for executions, hence the nickname today ‘death junction’ where City road meets Albany road, MacKintosh place, Crwys road and Richmond road.

Building Reuse Propsal

Precedent Projects

The Breif

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Leeds

Design Inspiration

- Multifuction concept

Community, Culture, Commercial, Conservation Restore the former Gaiety theatre and bring it back into the community. The design of the building will be accessiable to all with the aim of it servicing a diverse mix of people. The design will consist of public and private spaces. The building will become a hub of activity inspired by the community, local iniciatives, food, the arts and multicultralism.

Aim - To create a selfsustaining new purpose for the site that sets a precedent for what community facilities can provide.

Approach - The design will take into consideration the remaining original features as well as past uses of the building.

Cooking Library, Seoul - Experiential concept

New Vision - The building will become a space that allows people to come together and support each other through enterprise, education and much more. It will provide a base for local groups and initiatives to work out of and improve the well being of citizens in and around City road.

User Profile - The space is aimed at the community. It will benefit people from all levels of society. The over all design will be made sutable for all ages and ablities with the target of designing in inclusion.

Possible Sponsers/Collaborations

Key Aims Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff Use of Greenery

Education

Inspire

Community

Erica Takawira Final Major Project Proposal 2020

- Community arts concept

Design Ideas

Basic Zoning Ideas

Private Public

Design Considerations Cardiff Local Development Plan • Improve delivery of services to vunerable people.

• Develope facilities that reflect the needs and wants of citizens and visitors.

• Maximise use of existing building stock through refurbishment.

Concept Coming Soon...

Erica Takawira Final Major Project Proposal 2020