What do Elton John, The Lord of the Rings and the BBC have in common?
The answer is they are both part of the history of Watford Colosseum and Town Hall. Elton John performed there in 1972, and 30 years later the London Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the original soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings.
The Sound of Music
For decades the BBC has used these spaces as principal recording venues, and in 1965 another famous score was recorded there – The Sound of Music – which went on to sell 20 million copies.
With such an illustrious history, the Colosseum and the Town Hall are both internationally renowned for their excellent acoustics.
Refurbish
In 2020 a budget of £24 million was set aside to refurbish these Grade-II listed buildings. Discussions ranged from restoring art deco features to upgrading ventilation systems.
Improvements to sustainability were a key aspect of the upgrade. It was also imperative that the original acoustics were preserved and enhanced.
The Colosseum
Our involvement in the project began with an acoustic survey of the Town Hall. We subsequently focussed on the Colosseum, working alongside contractors Morgan Sindall.
Key aspects of the project include structural enhancements and improved internal sound insulation between parts of the building.
We have carried out a detailed review of previous proposals and have drawn attention to significant areas. These included door types, some of which were designated as “heritage” doors which cannot simply be replaced with modern fittings.
Upgrades
Now that there has been a soft launch of the building, the performance, recording and hospitality spaces are returning to their former glory.
Those outstanding acoustics need to be enjoyed for decades to come, so that Watford can continue to host more great recordings and memorable performances.