The work involved monitoring the removal of non-structural fixtures and fittings along with monitoring the demolition of specified sections of the structure of the theatre and ancillary shops, covering c.1500m2, and recording of such via a photographic and written record. All work was undertaken in accordance with accepted professional standards and guidelines, in accordance with the ASWYAS site recording manual and in compliance with the Specification of works. The structural watching brief at Victoria Theatre Halifax was successful in terms of the aims and objectives of the brief. With a complete photographic archive compiled during observations of all structural changes both prior to and during the stripping out and / or demolition required to achieve the goals of the project. Modern features impacted by renovations include the removal of suspended ceilings, flooring, access equipment, kitchen fixtures and fittings, various W.C.s, and the Ivor Burns ground floor Mezzanine level. The more significant original decorative features have been preserved and left in-situ, including the various mosaics identified within the Lobby, the former Box Office and Victoria House: these are areas of original flooring which had not previously been identified. During the structural changes to the Victoria Theatre and ancillary buildings the form of brickwork construction was identified as being predominantly English or English Cross bond, a popular brickwork style both in terms of strength and visual appearance. Suggesting all internal walls were contemporary with no later modification to the original layout of the theatre. The less strong but cost-effective regular coursed stretcher bond was identified only in the construction of the basement stairs of the Ivor Burns building.
Lexy Ellis (Wed,) studied this question.