The Grade II Listed historic fruit and veg market hall in the heart of Devonport has been transformed into an awe-inspiring digital space for people to socialise, learn and be inspired.
The building houses office, lab and teaching space, cultural spaces for conferencing, exhibitions, education, learning and engagement programmes.
Clarkebond provided Structural, Civil, Geotechnical, Flood and heritage surveys and assessments of timber and cast iron structures. The project combined the refurbishment of historic structures with a new build extension to accommodate the largest cinematic immersive dome in Europe. Collaboration with the client and other professionals was key to the successful delivery of the project.
Significant learning and experience was gained in the appraisal of existing cast and ductile iron structures and cast iron repairs undertaken in situ. Care was necessary with the distribution of loads to ensure that interventions were not required that would impact on the aesthetics of the historic structures.
Housing the largest immersive dome in Europe meant there was little previous information and experience of housing such an interactive installation. The structure had to accommodate the acoustics and both the refurbishment of the existing floor and new floor had to accommodate the equipment necessary to post install the dome after the appropriate stage completion of the building.
“We applaud Real Ideas’ partnership working, approach to inclusivity, and their bold vision. This world-class space will play host to creative enterprises, educational institutes, and local businesses. Local people will be at its heart – encouraging creativity in the region, helping to support the local economy, and contributing to a sense of pride in Plymouth. Arts Council are pleased to have been part of this journey, thanks to funding from the Government, and we are proud to have backed this innovative vision and digital leadership from the team at Real Ideas. We look forward to seeing the ripples spread far and wide from the Market Hall”
Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England.
For more information: Real Ideas – Market Hall
