Novojet adds Drama to Theatre Restoration

Liverpool’s Olympia Theatre was, in its heyday, host to such notable acts as Houdini and The Beatles. Years of disuse, however, meant the building had fallen into disrepair. A £1 million restoration and updating project by developers Silver Leisure Ltd has returned the theatre to its Edwardian splendour, and it is now a multi - use entertainment, sporting and corporate venue.

 

The original hot water-fed radiator heating system and natural ventilation through wall vents were inadequate to satisfy modern building regulations. The heating and ventilation system in the renovated building would have to meet the needs of capacity audiences of up to 2,000 people.

 

Any duct work would have to be positioned discreetly to avoid spoiling the aesthetics of the restored interior.

 

Reznor specified the installation of two Europak RPV gas-fired warm air heating units, each with an output of 364kW and full fresh air ventilation capability. These were mounted on the roof, which, due to the building’s age, had to be specially strengthened with reinforced steel spans to provide a solid platform for the units.

 

Warm or fresh air is ducted to two Novojet air distribution nozzle systems, fitted at balcony level in what had previously been the theatre’s Royal boxes. The rubber nozzles can be directed to provide air flow exactly where it is needed. The heaters pump air at a rate of 72,000m3 per hour through the nozzles. The high induction rate produces excellent secondary air entrainment, maintaining a comfortable room climate for the activity taking place.

 

The Novojet nozzle systems distribute air at the correct velocity and volume to prevent stratification or ‘cold spots’ within the theatre. By placing the plenum boxes at balcony level, the source of air movement is sufficiently far away from the audience that they will not feel it. All duct work was brought into the building just behind the Royal boxes.