Plymstock Arts Centre, Devon - Retractable Theatre Seating

This brand new arts facility is a fantastic new asset for Plymstock School, near Plymouth. 

Audience Systems began working on the project from the very start with architects Ayres Haynes, ensuring the building design and seating layout could work together perfectly in terms of access, functionality, design and sightlines. We then worked with main contractors Ryearch to see the installation through to its completion and sign off. 

The seating consists of 344 Accolade seats on a bank of power operated retractable seating. The retractable platforms are fitted with a partial opening system, allowing a limited number of rows to be opened out for smaller performances, or where more floor space is required. The retractable platforms open out over a sprung floor by Junckers, so Audience Systems worked carefully with the client to ensure that the floor was reinforced in the right places to safely bear the seating structure. An extra row of chairs fixed to the front of the system cleverly creates an extra row of seating.

To the rear there is a tiering structure with a further 54 Accolade fixed chairs. All chairs are upholstered in a 100% recycled polyester fabric, and the mix of blues and greys creates a calm and inspiring backdrop for artistic performances of all kinds. 

“From start to finish Audience Systems were very professional. The sales team were extremely patient and spent a lot of time working with the Architect on layout options to ensure that everyone was happy with the final proposal. The delivery team were efficient, safety conscious and tidy. The final result is amazing.” Julie Boyes, Contracts Manager, Ryearch Ltd.