Manoel Theatre plant support structure

Valletta (Malta)

Through 2017, the Manoel Theatre underwent a large restoration in order to repair and consolidate the building while modernising the theatre such as to be able to continue housing performances with the optimal comfort levels for patrons.

Costing around €1.8 million, the restoration works undertaken allow the use of a novel acclimatisation and ventilation system, an induction loop system for deaf people, improvements to the orchestra pit, new chairs, as well as new carpet in galleries and parterre boxes, and a new parquet in the plateau. The platforms in boxes were removed so as to enhance accessibility.

As part of the requirement for the new acclimatisation and ventilation system, new larger and heavy plant and equipment needed to be place at roof level, which is where Forward Structures were roped in to assist.

A Vierendeel structure was constructed over and across the theatre roof, spanning around 14m from either party wall of the theatre, upon which all the new plant, equipment and ducting was placed, routing the new ducting down into the theatre from roof level in order to supply the necessary ventilation and additional services.

The job was a very technically challenging job given the location and accessibility issues, but together with the help of all parties, be it the client, the contractors or the architects, the project was successfully delivered.