Regeneration for the next generation - First spade in the ground for Mayflower's new rehearsal studio space

Construction work is now officially underway on Mayflower’s new rehearsal studio development, marking a significant milestone in Mayflower’s ongoing investment in regeneration for the next generation as part of their mission to create inspiring experiences

BREAKING GROUND AT MAYFLOWER THEATRE: Leader of Southampton City Council Councillor Lorna Fielker with Mayflower’s Chief Executive Michael Ockwell alongside Aiden Walsh and Dave Dimmock from contractors GF Holding.

Following the planning approval earlier this year, the recent ceremonial breaking of the ground symbolises the next step in delivering a double-height rehearsal studio, plus two fully accessible dressing rooms and a combined reception and stage door. The project will provide a high-performing building as part of a drive towards achieving Net Zero and will provide a suitable space for their Participation and Education programmes to thrive.

Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that the development for our new rehearsal studio space has officially started. This is more than just the start of a construction project – it’s a physical representation of our mission of inspiring experiences for all, and commitment to providing accessible performance and creation of producing new works. We are incredibly excited to see our vision and years of planning to take shape on the ground. This development is not only a fantastic new space, but it will improve our facilities and further strengthen Mayflower’s reputation as a leading theatre."

The rehearsal studio space will deliver improvements and support Mayflower’s continued growth in participation, Mayflower is celebrating its twelfth year of its highly successful youth theatre projects welcoming over 210,000 young people from across the region to experience creative arts performance, making friends and growing in confidence as they take to the main stage. One benefit of this rehearsal studio is that young people will be able to utilise it during the youth projects each year. The rehearsal studio will sit alongside two fully accessible dressing rooms and a new combined reception and stage door, helping to improve backstage access and inclusivity for all performers, ensuring disabled performers have equality of backstage provision with stage accessible dressing rooms – a long-standing priority for the venue.

Alongside the creative and operational benefits, the building represents a major step in the theatre’s journey to Net Zero. Designed to be a high-performing, energy efficient space, the building will also see energy improvements from a 95% reduction in heating demands associated with ballet rehearsals and a provision for solar and air source heat pumps to enable the future removal of gas-fuelled heating from the theatre.

Michael continued: “We believe that being able to offer all this on-site, and much more, will help secure the future of Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios as leading UK performance venues for many years to come. I have been overwhelmed by the support we received from the arts community in the preparation for this project.”

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council said: “We have marked a significant milestone in the continued cultural growth of our city. The groundbreaking of Mayflower Theatre’s extension reflects Southampton’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts, enhancing accessibility, and investing in spaces that inspire and engage our communities. This development will ensure the theatre remains a world-class venue at the heart of our city for generations to come.”

The building project, which is expected to take approximately 16 months to complete, will be delivered by contractors GF Holding, following a competitive tender process. The development reflects Mayflower Theatre’s long-term commitment to reinvestment and sustainability, with the entire project being fully funded through Mayflower’s own reserves.