morris architects

The Jersey Opera House is a Grade 2 Listed building, originally designed by Adolphus Curry in the late 1890s. While the façade is the only remaining feature from the original design, the building has undergone several refurbishments over the years.

Morris Architects were appointed by the Government of Jersey as lead consultants to conduct an initial feasibility study, addressing fire safety, accessibility, and maintenance issues. The project brief was expanded to include the building's decarbonisation, along with the renovation of the existing auditorium, which involved repairing the fibrous plasterwork, strengthening the dome, replacing the seats and updating the decorations. External works focused on restoring the façade, removing the modern conservatory, and replacing the curtain walling around the adjacent box office area.

Morris Architects prepared the planning applications, Building Bye-Laws submissions, and all tender documentation and employer’s requirements. As a Grade 2 Listed building, the decorations to the historic façade and auditorium had to be fully designed prior to construction so the detail provided in the tender information was more akin to construction information with all known design details confirmed by tender stage. We were retained throughout the design and build process to ensure discharging of planning conditions and ensure works were undertaken in accordance with the tender documentation.

The building works were completed in December 2024, although the date for the recommencement of performances is yet to be confirmed.