Riverfront

The Riverfront opened at the end of October 2004 and is situated on the banks of the River Usk at Bristol Packet Wharf, central to a regeneration area for the city of Newport. Building plans were put on hold when a medieval ship was discovered in a part of the theatre which is now the orchestra pit, following which a subterranean viewing gallery was incorporated into the design to accommodate this important maritime relic.

The building, ostensibly interconnecting cubes of light blue panels, has been designed with acoustic control solutions in mind as it adjoins a busy motorway, and the lightweight structure has to be at the cutting edge of noise reduction. The main house seats 493 in two curved tiers, with each seat separately air-conditioned, and balcony and stalls interconnect on one side of the auditorium. The proscenium is simple and the stage flexible with forestage lift to accommodate the orchestra pit or an apron stage. A lighting bridge above the stalls follows the curve of the seating. The interior is finished entirely in aubergine colour. The studio seats 128 on a retractable rake. In addition, there is a dance studio, recording studio, workshop spaces, art galleries, bar, and other facilities. The glazed entrance together with the foyer spaces in light blue, white and steel give a light and airy feel to this early example of twenty-first century design.