Whitfield & Brown delivered the new Cronton Playhouse and Brasserie for Riverside College, providing a high‑quality performing arts and hospitality facility within the Sixth Form campus to support professional‑level student learning.
The contemporary steel‑framed building delivers a fully equipped theatre with seating for 221 people, incorporating retractable sections to support flexible configurations and an orchestra pit to enable a wide range of performance types. Specialist installations were integrated throughout, including professional sound, lighting and audiovisual systems designed to reflect industry standards.
Theatre and performance facilities
The theatre environment was carefully designed to support teaching, rehearsal and live performance, giving students access to a realistic professional venue within an educational setting. The layout enables flexibility for drama, music and performance arts while ensuring high acoustic and visual quality for audiences.
The specialist nature of the fit‑out required close coordination between structural works, building services and specialist contractors to deliver a cohesive and fully functioning performance space.
Brasserie and social space
Alongside the theatre, a single storey brasserie was delivered to support hospitality and catering training. The space features full‑height glazed curtain walling with views across the college playing fields, creating a welcoming setting for students, staff and visitors.
The brasserie supports both teaching and public use, strengthening links between the college and the wider community while complementing the performance offer of the playhouse.
Delivery within a live education environment
Completed in September 2018, the project was delivered within a functioning college campus, requiring careful planning and liaison to minimise disruption to teaching and daily operations. Whitfield & Brown’s management approach ensured safe, coordinated delivery across a multi‑faceted scheme with complex technical requirements.
Community impact
The Cronton Theatre project provides Riverside College with a landmark facility that enhances curriculum delivery, supports creative ambition and strengthens engagement with the arts. The theatre and brasserie together form a valuable cultural and educational asset, benefiting students and the wider community.
The scheme demonstrates Whitfield & Brown’s experience in delivering technically complex education facilities that combine specialist environments, high‑quality design and effective delivery in live settings.
