First look at £45m Crucible revamp to keep World Snooker Championship in Sheffield
The £45m scheme would see the capacity of the main auditorium able to expand by 50% from 964 to 1,500 with removable seats.
The architects redeveloping Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Theatre to help secure the long-term future of the World Snooker Championship have shown councillors what their design would look like.
The £45m scheme would see the capacity of the main auditorium able to expand by 50% from 964 to 1,500 with removable seats.
That would give a complete 360-degree ‘in the round’ view to the famous thrust stage.
The first-floor ‘glass box’ Adelphi Room would be replaced by an open terrace as part of a redesigned Tudor Square entrance. A more open foyer area on the ground floor would include a kitchen and dining space.
Tables and chairs could then “spill out” into Tudor Square once again.
The Crucible refurbishment is a key part of a deal agreed between the council, the venue and World Snooker Ltd to secure the future of the tournament in Sheffield for at least 15 years and up to 20 years after the redevelopment.
World Snooker wanted increased audience capacity and improved visitor and behind-the-scenes facilities to stay. The deal was brokered following the intervention of outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a visit to the Crucible in March.
Architect Will Sherlaw of the firm Allies and Morrison told Sheffield City Council’s strategy and resources committee yesterday (July 16) that auditorium changes would respect the space and the feel of the audience being close to the action.
He said that later alterations to reception areas made them feel more closed in. The improvements would open them back up and improve audience flow.
Council leader Coun Fran Belbin said the Crucible’s nationally important theatre programme and world-famous World Snooker venue have made it a crucial part of the city’s cultural identity, economy and global reputation.
Councillors went into closed session to discuss the financial details of the snooker hosting agreement. Backing will come from the South Yorkshire mayoral authority and the government, plus private, philanthropic and strategic funding.
Coun Belbin said: “I think we’ve made some really big decisions here today”. She thanked council officers for their hard work behind the scenes.
Coun Laura Moynahan thanked former council leader Tom Hunt for his extensive efforts to secure the deal.