In the realm of cultural and artistic institutions, few venues hold as much prominence and historical significance as the Wales Millennium Centre. Nestled along Cardiff Bay, this architectural masterpiece has been a cornerstone of Welsh culture and creativity since its inception. However, like any iconic institution, the Centre needed to evolve to meet the changing demands of the modern world.
Following a series of thorough tendering processes, Powell was named as the preferred contractor to undertake the true transformation of this national treasure – from the fit out to the refurbishment, down to complex, artisan seating, bespoke lighting – and the largest handmade bar in Europe. With a total project value of over £4 million pounds, this was the largest refurbishment in the Centre’s two-decade history.
“Powell set a clear strategy and demonstrated an unrivalled experience of working in live environments. They also had the most diverse skillset of the dozen or so companies that tendered for the project. Powell’s ability to turn their hand to the M&E [mechanical/electrical] work, as well as the finer things really made them a fantastic fit for this – and the examples they were able to point to of recent, similar work filled us with the confidence we needed for a project of this scale, and of this significance.”
– Steve Morris, Head of Operations, Wales Millennium Centre.
As well as renovation; the project was about orchestrating a transformation that would breathe new life into this cultural jewel. The 20-week transformation aimed to revitalise the Centre, and, perhaps more importantly, empower it to be more commercially self-reliant, and futureproofed. The project sought to make this iconic institution more enticing to a broader audience, further invigorate the Welsh economy, and align its spaces with contemporary consumer trends and working habits. Managing Director, Matthew Miltom:
“When the building was first set-up, it was a theatre and commercial conference centre. This worked well for the first 15 years, but times have changed significantly, and for the Wales Millennium Centre, being current is critical to our success. Perhaps more than that, we had to continue to cater to a changing public. That’s why the public-facing areas – most of which are now entirely new thanks to the brilliant work Powell has done for us – had to give a real ‘wow factor’, and why there was such a strong emphasis on ‘the finish’. This is a global venue, and it represents Wales on that global stage – beautiful, practical, creative, inspiring, and for everyone. Powell have absolutely achieved that.”
The original welcome space and ticketing office underwent a remarkable change, making way for an eclectic mix of spaces. Front and centre is the striking 12-meter-long bar, an artisan, locally crafted masterpiece. It’s flanked by more hand-made seating areas – designed to be incredibly diverse, and suited to both working and relaxing, networking and just ‘to be’. These Powell-revitalised spaces also include a vibrant café, multiple versatile breakout zones, co-working desks and breakout areas. To the rear of the building, a dynamic new performance venue has been realised – replacing what was once part of the “Blas” restaurant. This, flexible space now boasts a 140-seat Cabaret area, which is regularly hosting sold-out events, particularly drag performances, comedy acts and burlesque shows – underlining the success of the fitout with the public. The opulent feel of the main reception and bar area is quite contrasted with the cabaret space – which has a much more industrial look – but there’s more to that than meets the eye, as Gareth Knight, Powell’s Operations Director explains:
“The budget for a project of this scale was always a little tight, that’s why looking for true, value engineering methods – without sacrificing the aesthetic was important. The industrial look is very popular but there’s a little known cost saving element to it too, which most people don’t realise. Our work in the cabaret removed the need to install a conventional ceiling, or really any other form of ‘cover’. It’s also much more sustainable compared to typical commercial ceilings systems – which helped us keep down the embedded carbon measurement of the project. Something that was important to both Powell and the Millennium Centre. On top of that, exposed concrete ceilings all but removes your need to use the heating systems, because you’re able to utilise the thermal mass of the concrete to store heat. Exposed services will also ensure very easy future access, as needs and habits change. ”
Amidst the transformation, the Wales Millennium Centre’s immense cultural and economic significance loomed large. With 1.6 million annual visitors and a substantial £70 million contribution to local businesses, preserving the centre’s daily operations was paramount. These performances play a pivotal role in projecting Wales as a global cultural hub – supporting the arts after what has been a challenging time for the industry, following the Covid pandemic. Powell masterfully navigated the project under stringent timelines, ensuring zero disruption to rehearsals, live shows, and the seamless delivery of new sets and equipment. This proved to be one of the most complicated aspects of the project as Helen John, Head of Projects at the Wales Millennium Centre summarises:
“Working in a live environment is invariably difficult. One of the key scoring criteria of the tender was the ability and experience of working in live environments – and it was clearly something Powell had a great deal of experience in. In a building of this scale, of this artistic and financial importance, the successful navigation and management of that is critical, and I’m pleased to say that Powell nailed it!”
The Wales Millennium Centre has re-emerged onto the stage with an exuberant resurgence of the public. The resounding feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, resonating from joyous staff and the delighted public alike. Powell’s hallmark commitment to on-time, on-budget delivery has once again proven its mettle, contributing to the triumphant reopening of this cultural gem. Moreover, in line with both Powell and The Centre’s ethical codes, a low-carbon approach was achieved, from materials to carbon miles, aligning with the Wales Millennium Centre’s forward-thinking ethos. This project strengthened the local supply chain, underlining Powell’s dedication to the local community and economy. The Wales Millennium Centre’s reopening has garnered widespread acclaim, both from the public and organised feedback mechanisms. The centre has been nominated for two prestigious awards since its grand reopening, reaffirming its status as a cultural treasure.
As we reflect on this monumental achievement, it’s clear that Powell’s work at the Wales Millennium Centre is not just a renovation; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and a desire to achieve more – and reach more people than ever before. Beyond Powell’s refurbishment works, banquette seating, bespoke lighting and diverse, new spaces, this project has breathed new life into a beloved cultural institution, ensuring its continued legacy as a cultural beacon for generations to come.
“We’re incredibly pleased with the work that Powell has carried out for us here at the Centre, but the feedback we’ve had on the transformation has really blown us away. You can really see it here now too. The number of people that call in to work ‘from home’ without being at home, the constant sell-out events in the cabaret, the fact that people are really milling around for an hour before a show starts – and the fact that while there are shows on, there’s still a good volume of other sorts of clients here. It’s all just a fantastic testament to what Powell has achieved. We’re over the moon with the quality of the work, and we’ve already started work on another phase of the full transformation with the team. Well done, Powell!”
– Matthew Milsom, Managing Director.
In the archives of transformation, the story of Powell and the Wales Millennium Centre stands as an inspiring tale of revitalisation. As the final curtain falls on this remarkable piece of work, we are reminded that when experience and talent meet an enthusiastic, open-minded institution, the result is nothing short of breathtaking. The Wales Millennium Centre has found its second act, and it promises to be even more spectacular than the first. With Powell’s guiding hand, it is ready to take centre stage in Cardiff’s cultural renaissance. In this transformative journey, Powell didn’t just renovate a building; we rekindled a creative beacon. The Wales Millennium Centre, with its fresh face and renewed spirit, is poised to serve as a bridge between tradition and innovation, a testament to what can be achieved when vision, expertise, and courage converge. Powell’s legacy extends beyond this project—it’s etched in the heart of Cardiff’s cultural narrative.
