dover roundhouse

Suzie Bridges Architects were invited to conduct a feasibility study to assess how the Roundhouse Theatre space could be reimagined to support Dover's communities in their creative and cultural activities and endeavours.

The existing Roundhouse Theatre was “mothballed” in 2015. It sits within the brick rotunda of the Dover Discovery Centre, a multi-use building in Market Square, housing the library, museum, cinema, and education centre.  

The study proposed a series of interventions to open the building up and make it more adaptable, robust, engaging, and flexible. These included a new dedicated entrance with check-in desk and refreshment point, removal of existing concrete tiers to form a flat-floor multi-use space, creation of full height doors for scenic items. lift access, back-of-house space, and reconfigured WCs. New ceilings, lighting, services, floor finishes, and decorations, with warm welcoming colours and signage, improve comfort and identity.

Potential user groups include social enterprises, theatre groups, youth music groups, local colleges, and services creating activities for adults, children, libraries and museums Installations and infrastructure would be as easy to use as possible - allowing diverse groups to access the space and use the facilities without the need for a full technical team.

 Architect:   Suzie Bridges Architects