Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight

The Gladstone Theatre, located in Port Sunlight’s Garden Village, is a historic cultural venue dating back to 1888. Originally built as a community assembly hall by William Hesketh Lever, it now hosts a wide range of performances while retaining distinctive architectural features, including its 1920s proscenium stage.

As part of a refurbishment to maintain comfort and durability for high visitor numbers, Wellington Velour carpet was selected. The project required a solution that could withstand heavy footfall, provide acoustic benefits, and complement the theatre’s period design.

Performance and Durability

Wellington Velour combines a plush, traditional theatre feel with the robustness needed for commercial and educational environments. It offers long-lasting performance in circulation areas, aisles, and auditorium spaces, ensuring the carpet maintains both appearance and functionality under daily use.

Visual and Acoustic Benefits

The chosen Claret colour enhances the theatre’s interior, complementing historic timberwork and plaster detailing while creating a welcoming environment. The carpet also provides a 24dB reduction in impact noise, improving acoustic comfort throughout the venue.

Installation

Installed by Bogans Carpets, Liverpool, specialists in high-traffic and heritage settings, Wellington Velour was fitted to tessellated layout specifications. Installation preserved the theatre’s historic features while delivering a seamless, modern finish suitable for both audiences and performers.

Outcome

The installation demonstrates how Wellington Velour delivers heritage-sensitive aesthetics, durability, and acoustic performance in a demanding public space. The project ensures that the Gladstone Theatre remains a comfortable, visually striking, and resilient venue for future generations.