Client: Dartford Borough Council
Contract Administrator: Ingleton Wood
Design Team: Ingleton Wood
Location: Dartford DA1
Following the discovery of RAAC within the roof structure, the Orchard Theatre closed for urgent structural works. The project expanded from targeted RAAC removal, which our in-house demolition division completed, into a full refurbishment and modernisation programme.
Works include the complete removal and replacement of the RAAC roof with new energy efficient PV Panels to reduce operational energy demand, supported by a new Building Management System providing smart control, monitoring, and optimisation of building services. Alongside this, a full mechanical and electrical upgrade will be delivered, including new high-efficiency HVAC systems, upgraded heating and cooling distribution, and a complete renewal of electrical infrastructure and LED lighting throughout.
Fire and life-safety improvements form a major part of the programme, including the installation of new fire doors throughout the building and a new sprinkler system serving core areas. All life-safety systems will be replaced with new addressable fire alarm, emergency, and evacuation systems, backed by upgraded emergency power and integrated controls.
Operational facilities will be enhanced with the construction of a new commercial catering kitchen, providing modern, compliant, and high-capacity food service capability to support venue operations and visitor experience.
This project has also made BBC and ITV news on two separate occasions, highlighting the importance of the refurbishment of this well-known and much-loved theatre.
The result will be a fully modernised venue, one of the UK’s most up-to-date theatres in terms of compliance, energy performance, and technical infrastructure.
