A new cultural landmark has emerged in Hertford with the completion of the BEAM Cultural Centre, a collaboration between Bennetts Associates and Citizens Design Bureau. The project expands and enhances Hertford Theatre by seamlessly integrating modern brick-clad structures with the town’s historic fabric.
Located along the scenic River Lea, the development builds on Hertford Theatre’s 1970s hexagonal design, which features an iconic fly tower inspired by traditional oast houses. The redesign includes additions like cinemas, a studio theatre, and multi-purpose event spaces, aimed at positioning the venue as a hub for arts and community activities.
A Blend of Functionality and Heritage
Bennetts Associates approached the project with a vision of maintaining Hertford’s architectural legacy while introducing contemporary elements.
“The core design concept centres around wrapping a series of brick-clad volumes around the existing retained auditorium,” said Alastair Bogle, associate at Bennetts Associates.
“These new volumes each house a specific function related to the brief – be it a cinema, hireable space, or theatre – and have been individually crafted to be of a scale and texture that sit comfortably within the historic grain of Hertford’s town centre.”
The design extends along the northern and western boundaries of the site, forming a cluster of mono-pitched brick structures. These spaces converge to create a triangular “residual space,” which has been repurposed into a skylit central atrium, or “town square,” offering communal spaces like a cafe and access to the main auditorium.
Design Details and Community Focus
Citizens Design Bureau envisioned the interiors as inviting and versatile, allowing diverse groups—from families to individuals—to feel at home.
“The interior space is conceived as a series of intimate rooms around a ‘town-square’ (a central atrium space),” explained Katy Marks, director of Citizens Design Bureau.
“It was really important to us that groups of teenagers, parents with kids, elderly visitors, and everyone in between would be able to find their space and feel at home.”
The auditorium has been transformed into a state-of-the-art performance space, with a new balcony made from damson-chocolate stained plywood. Meanwhile, public areas feature pops of vibrant colour, including terrazzo countertops, bright tiles, and felt ceilings that contrast the theatre’s darker tones.
A Distinctive Exterior
Externally, the textured brick cladding features protruding patterns that fade towards the upper sections of the buildings.
“The use of colour is really what creates the perception of layered spaces, intimacy, warmth in the foyers; theatrical anticipation and dark, richness in the auditorium,” said Marks.
“This project could so easily have become a municipal, generic building, but it has become a space to hang out that is rich in atmosphere and activity.”
Conclusion
The BEAM Cultural Centre’s design embodies Hertford’s architectural heritage while delivering modern, functional spaces for community engagement. The collaborative efforts of Bennetts Associates and Citizens Design Bureau highlight how thoughtful architecture can harmonize history and progress.