Iconic performance venue set to re-open in autumn 2025

Tenderstream members FCBStudios have handed over the newly refurbished Watford Colosseum after more than four years of intensive design and construction. The design focused on preserving the Colosseum’s world-renowned orchestral acoustic, famed for recordings including Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and The Sound of Music, while enhancing its versatility to host large-scale amplified live music events. 

The upgrade of the iconic Colosseum, rich in cultural and cinematic history, is intended to repurpose the venue as a vibrant, modern performance space fit for the future. Working within the constraints of a listed building presented challenges, but the outcome is a venue that blends heritage with cutting-edge capability. The transformation includes a new stage, fully refurbished bars, improved accessibility, restored main entrance, and major interior upgrades. Sustainability was also central to the brief, helping future-proof the cherished landmark.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, stated: “This is a major step forward in bringing first-class, live entertainment to Watford. With AEG Presents officially on board and the building work completed, we’re now counting down to an exciting opening season in the brilliantly refurbished Colosseum. This has been a key priority for us, and I’m delighted to see the venue ready for its next chapter.”

With practical completion now achieved, AEG Presents UK have begun the fit-out ahead of the venue reopening in autumn 2025. FCBStudios will now continue work on the upcoming Watford Town Hall refurbishment, which will update the Grade II listed building designed by Charles Cowles-Voysey. Together, the Town Hall and Colosseum will create a catalyst building for the emerging Watford Town Hall Quarter.

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 11.12.2019 here

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