Yates renovations near completion
New West to open revamped theatre on Wednesday
When the project is complete, southern Albertans will enjoy a sleek, modern theatre facility. But although New West Theatre will launch its new season there Wednesday, renovations at the Yates Centre will still be continuing.
The 475-seat theatre, foyer and box office will be ready for the show, officials say. But months of work remain before upgrades to the smaller Sterndale Bennett Theatre, the performers’ “green room” and other backstage improvements are complete.
Scaffolding still blocked the front entrance Thursday, and wall panels had yet to be attached to parts of the main theatre’s walls. New West rehearsals were punctuated by the sounds of saws and power tools throughout the structure.
“We’re well over 90 per cent done,” said Jason Freund, the City’s Culture and Recreation manager.
“We’re still working feverishly to get the building ready.”
Work on the $13.4-million upgrade to the 52-year-old facility began last September.
While some parts of the building will remain off limits on Wednesday when New West debuts “Million Dollar Quartet,” Freund says audience members will walk into an almost-complete theatre.
A modern box office, expanded foyer space and easy-access washrooms will also be ready for use, he says. Two elevators will be available to whisk ticket holders to the second floor.
“We know there will still be a few details in the public spaces that may not be fully finished for the first shows,” he adds, “We are doing everything we can to make sure we have it as complete as possible as quickly as possible.”
Audience members will experience a new sound system, energy-efficient lighting and new seating in the well-used theatre. Behind the scenes, building upgrades include new mechanical and electrical systems, fire sprinklers, a new roof — and a concrete floor in a previously unfinished storage space beneath the theatre.
The new air system will provide more consistent temperatures throughout the space, officials add.
Architect Elizabeth Songer says theatre-goers will also appreciate improved acoustics as well as wider seats and greater use of walnut finishes — selected when the Yates was built, but covered over in subsequent facelifts.
“I’m really beaming,” she says, as the final touchers are applied. “It’s been a labour of love.”
Upgrades to the Sterndale Bennett Theatre won’t likely be finished until mid-November, Freund says. The project’s final improvements — to the mechanical room, electrical room, communications room and various basement areas — may not be complete until year’s end.
A grand opening event will be held when the project is closer to completion, officials say.
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