SOCOTEC lauded for Theatre safety refurbishment

SOCOTEC, a UK provider of testing, inspection and certification services, has been recognised for a series of refurbishment works recently carried out on the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London.

SOCOTEC’s Fire Engineering team was highly commended in the AABC Conservation Award category as part of the Civic Trust Awards. These awards recognise projects that demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation, as well as those that have significantly contributed to the quality and appearance of the built environment.

Located on Drury Lane, the building in question is a Grade I listed theatre and has an international reputation as one of the most desirable and prestigious theatres in the world. Conducted on behalf of LW Theatres (whom SOCOTEC has worked alongside on two other projects), the works comprised an extensive refurbishment of the Theatre Royal and changed the use of the ground floor, while part of the basement was converted to a restaurant. This took place over the course of five years (specifically, 2016 to 2021).

During this refurbishment, the existing theatre and new restaurant were physically linked by enclosing the existing passage between them and adding new openings. The back-of-house remained largely unchanged by the works (with the exception of a new head office and assembly room, which contain listed elements such as a set paint frame).

In addition to providing fire safety engineering advice, SOCOTEC Fire Engineering reviewed the existing fire safety strategy during RIBA stages two to six. The fire risk team also delivered updated fire safety strategy reports, held design team meetings with relevant stakeholders and conducted site visits, fire door surveys, compartmentation surveys, construction advice, reviews of site surveys and sprinkler assessments.

“We are delighted to have contributed to the refurbishment works on this historic and iconic building, working on behalf of a client with whom we have already developed a strong professional rapport,” commented Thomas Carpentier, director of fire engineering, SOCOTEC UK. “Receiving a commendation in the Civic Trust Awards is a highly prestigious accolade and achievement for the business, and I would like to congratulate all of the team involved in this project for their hard work.”

To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here.

Never miss a story… Follow us on:
LinkedIn International Fire Buyer
Twitter logo @Firebuyer
Facebook Fire Buyer

Media Contact
Louis Curtis
Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]

About Fire Buyer

International Fire Buyer is the leading authority in global passive and active fire content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the fire sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Chris Lingham image - Fire Buyer

Chris Lingham

Group Sales Manager

Afua Akoto picture - Fire Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Picture of ROCKWOOL factiry - Photo by ROCKWOOL - Fire Buyer

ROCKWOOL Invests in Global Fire-Stopping Hub

Insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has launched a new global centre of excellence for fire-stopping at Hams Hall, on the outskirts of
Picture of firefighter wearing non-PFAS turnout gear - Photo by FIre-Dex - FIre Buyer

East Providence Firefighters Receive Non-PFAS Turnout Gear

The East Providence Fire Department has become the first in the United States to purchase and use non-PFAS turnout gear department-wide
Picture of forest fires - Photo by ECA - Fire Buyer

Press Briefing Reports on EU funding to tackle Forest Fires

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) is to host an online press briefing on its upcoming special report on how EU money is used to tackle
Picture of Ben Pfahl - Photo by Fire-Dex - Fire Buyer

Fire-Dex Appoints New Chief Information Officer

Fire-Dex has announced the appointment of Ben Pfahl as its Chief Information Officer (CIO), putting weight behind its promise to lead with
Picture of new Aico Launches New Platinum Partner Initiative - Photo by Aico - Fire Buyer

Aico Launches New Platinum Partner Initiative

Aico has announced the launch of its Platinum Partner initiative, a prestigious recognition programme designed to elevate industry
Picture of Enforcer Volterra sign - Photo by Pierce Manufacturing Inc. - Fire Buyer

Frederick County Prepares for Delivery of Electric Fire Truck

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, has announced that the Frederick County, Maryland Division of
Picture of ship - Photo by Survitec - Fire Buyer

Maritime Protection Secures Record €22.7m Contract

Maritime Protection, a brand of global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec, has been awarded a contract valued at…
Picture of Paul Haynes at Mann McGowan - Fire Buyer

Mann McGowan Strengthen Sales Team With New Appointment

Mann McGowan, manufacturer of high performance intumescent fire, smoke and acoustic seals, has announced the appointment of Paul…
Picture of Rescue Intellitech product - Photo by Rescue Intellitech - Fire Buyer

Rescue Intellitech Launches New Firefighting Equipment Solution

Rescue Intellitech has launched advanced, dual-drying cabinets for PPE which will help fire and rescue services in the UK improve…
Picture of WAGNER product - Photo by Wagner - Fire Buyer

WAGNER to Unveil Groundbreaking Fire Protection Solutions at FeuerTrutz 2025

At the upcoming FeuerTrutz, the leading trade fair for preventive fire protection in Nuremberg, WAGNER will showcase its comprehensive…
Scroll to Top