National Theatre Future Project

When our architects, Haworth Tompkins, were working on a Conservation Management Plan for the National Theatre they made sure to balance the current needs of our Grade II* listed building while making it fit for the 21st century. They assessed the architectural significance of the site and provided a framework for any changes to the building. The plan concluded that there was a current material risk to the theatre's infrastructure which could not be addressed via annual capital funds.

The National Theatre appointed Haworth Tompkins as project architects. Haworth Tompkins were responsible for the development of the National Theatre Studio.

We consulted widely with neighbouring organisations on the South Bank and the local residents; with English Heritage, the Twentieth Century Society and the Theatres Trust; with members of staff and the NT's artistic community; and with our audience.

The Cottesloe Theatre, which has been refurbished as part of our NT Future transformation project, re-opened in October 2014 as the Dorfman Theatre with improved facilities for artists and audiences.

NT Future was a big project that touched almost every part of our building; front of house and backstage. We worked very hard to keep costs as low as possible, securing the best quotes from suppliers and contractors and focusing on areas that would have the maximum impact on artists and audiences.

Thanks to the generosity of Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and a number of individuals, companies and trusts and foundations we have reached our £80 million target. This is an amazing achievement which could not have happened without the support of our audiences and we are so grateful.

The National Theatre itself has also contributed £7.5 million to support NT Future. Most of this came from our profits from War Horse.