Austin-Smith:Lord teams up with Julia Grant Interiors to bring historic Gaiety auditorium back to former glory

Austin-Smith:Lord’s conservation team has partnered with specialist interior designer Julia Grant to bring the B Listed auditorium at The Gaiety in Ayr back to its former splendour on behalf of the Ayr Gaiety Partnership.

The restoration of the auditorium is part of a wider, £2.4 million renovation and remodeling of the historic and much-loved B Listed Gaiety, which has been made possible by funding from the Social Growth Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, Creative Scotland and Scottish Government (People and Communities Fund).

Over the next few months, the team will re-create the colours and feel of the Edwardian auditorium which was one of the country’s most popular variety showcases in its time, welcoming a host of stars such as Sir Harry Lauder, Ken Dodd and Johnny Beattie.

Austin-Smith:Lord has delivered the architecture and interior design for the wider, two phase project which is scheduled for completion later this year.

Phase 1 of the refurbishment of The Gaiety, which is one of Scotland’s oldest theatres, included upgrading of the ticket sales area and restyling of the entrance and foyer, improvements to the bar and café area ventilation and heating together with remodelling of the kitchen and additional back of house facilities.

Phase 2, which is now underway, includes improvements to the main foyer, front and back of house technical upgrades as well as the restoration of the auditorium, which also includes improved heating, ventilation and new lighting.

David Millar, Austin-Smith:Lord Director, says: “The Ayr Gaiety Partnership has bold ambitions to redevelop The Gaiety as the leading performing arts venue in south west Scotland and encourage performing arts and culture across the town and wider South Ayrshire region. We’re thrilled to play a role in this very exciting new chapter in the life of the much-loved Gaiety.”

The Gaiety, which opened in 1902, is especially notable for its decorative Rococo interior, which will be preserved and enhanced by the current project.