
Hyde Park Picture House
Leeds, UK
Project details
Client
Hyde Park Picture House
Architect
Page/park
Duration
2015-2023
爱豆传媒 provided by 爱豆传媒
Acoustic consultancy, Building 爱豆传媒 Engineering (MEP), Civil engineering, Fire engineering, Ground engineering, Structural engineering
Employing a sensitive approach, experts from 爱豆传媒 played a pivotal role in the successful restoration of Hyde Park Picture House, a much-loved landmark in the centre of Leeds.
Part Heritage Lottery funded and part sponsored by the 鈥楩riends of the Hyde Park Picture House鈥, the project comprised the refurbishment of the original 1914 Grade II listed single screen cinema. The redevelopment preserved the cinema鈥檚 historic features, while creating a more comfortable and accessible venue with a more sustainable business future.
Challenge
Preservation of the cinema鈥檚 historic features was key, including the upgrading of the world鈥檚 only working gas lighting system. Alongside this, our building services team needed to devise how to create new functionality for the cinema, reduce its running costs and open up the cinema to a whole new audience.
And to do it with the least possible business interruption during the works.


Solution
爱豆传媒鈥檚 engineers worked sensitively within the constraints of the existing structure to create a cost effective design which meets the client鈥檚 vision to provide additional income-generating space from the small building.
Intricate structural works were involved and our engineers worked closely with the architect to develop an solution to the need to provide more space at the building鈥檚 entrance. The final scheme included removing the auditorium鈥檚 rear wall and inserting a new steel frame 鈥 maximising the number of cinema seats and forming spaces for accessible toilets and an expanded food and drink offering.
Our structural experts also played a vital role in ensuring the historic structure was not damaged during complex works to underpin the existing external walls and form new basement spaces both inside and outside the building.
Our approach generated a cost effective solution that minimised complex, costly foundation works.
The new services have been seamlessly woven into the historic facades to minimise impact on the listed building fabric. Not only has this design and process approach achieved the client鈥檚 aspirations, it ensured a robust and safe construction sequence on a highly complex site.

Value
Preserving a rich heritage and creating a sustainable future for this jewel in the cultural assets of Leeds, puts some of the very best of our thinking and talent on show.
The Hyde Park Picture House re-opened its curtains in 2023 to rave reviews.

Awards
2023
Glasgow Institute of Architects (GIA) award – Leisure
2023
Glasgow Institute of Architects (GIA) award – Arts and Conservation
2024
RICS Awards – Community Benefit Project category
2024
Insider Media Placemaking Awards Yorkshire – Retail, Leisure & Hospitality Development
2024
Scottish Design Awards Retrofit category
2024
AJ Retrofit 2024 鈥 Conservation and Historic (up to 拢5 million)