Watford Colosseum
Award Winning
Award Winning
Location: Watford
Client: Watford Borough Council
Architect: FCBS Studios
Value: £16m
Awards:
2026 Civic Trust Awards – Regional Finalist
Watford Colosseum is a grade II listed performance venue, designed by Charles Cowles- Voysey in 1938.
The project involved the refurbishment and adaptation of the performance space and auditorium which was highly regarded for the quality of the acoustics. The scope of the project included improvement to the stage, improvements to lighting, improved maintenance access within the roof, and improved visitor facilities.
The main structural challenge was understanding the capacity of the existing reinforced concrete and steel structures, particularly the slender auditorium roof trusses and fibrous plaster ceiling. Additional loads from lighting, acoustics, ventilation, walkways and plant required careful assessment. The existing drainage system also showed defects, shallow gradients, settled deposits and potential capacity constraints.
The project was successfully completed in 2025 and is now being followed by the transformation of the neighbouring townhall.
The Colosseum is considered the catalyst for the regeneration of Watford’s Town Hall Quarter. The project was a Civic Trust Regional Finalist in 2026.
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