LSO St Luke’s has reopened following a major technical redevelopment designed to future-proof the Grade I-listed venue and expand its capacity for performance, recording and digital production.
The project, known as Future Ready, was developed to address the limitations of infrastructure that had been in near-constant use for more than two decades. While St Luke’s has long served as a central hub for the London Symphony Orchestra’s performance, learning and community programmes, its lighting, audio and AV systems were no longer able to support the scale or diversity of activity taking place within the building.
Rather than incremental upgrades, the LSO used the redevelopment as an opportunity to rethink the venue’s technical capabilities from the ground up. Systems integrator LSI Projects was appointed to deliver the technical transformation, working alongside Theatre Projects Consultants and other members of the design team.
Much of the work centred on Jerwood Hall, the venue’s main performance space. Here, Theatre Projects developed a unified lighting approach that integrates production lighting with architectural and emergency systems designed by Max Fordham. The new setup allows seamless switching between ETC Paradigm control and the LSO’s own lighting desk, supporting a wide range of uses, from chamber performances to full orchestral rehearsals and concerts.
Audio and AV infrastructure formed a major part of the upgrade. As livestreaming and recording became increasingly central to St Luke’s activity, the existing audio systems were proving restrictive. The redevelopment introduced new containment and cabling throughout the building, alongside the creation of a dedicated audio control room built to professional studio standards. A digital editing suite now also serves as a camera-control gallery for streamed and filmed events, improving workflows and reducing turnaround times.
LSI’s scope covered the delivery and integration of lighting control and power management, networked audio and communications systems, digital intercom and assisted listening, venue-wide paging, video relay and production facilities, and extensive new fibre and data infrastructure. The company was also responsible for fitting out the new audio and master control rooms, as well as testing and commissioning the upgraded systems.
Working within a listed building presented significant challenges. Existing risers and containment routes were already congested, leaving little room for additional services. According to Theatre Projects principal John Riddell, close collaboration with LSI’s site team was essential to resolving these constraints, including rerouting cabling between basement equipment rooms and the clock tower to maintain accessibility for future upgrades.
Logistics were further complicated by the need to fully decant the venue during construction. Instruments, staging and technical equipment were relocated across multiple sites, while rehearsals and recordings were delivered through a temporary, mobile programme. Venue manager Sabina Noble says that consistent communication between the LSO, project manager Avison Young, contractor GPF Lewis, and specialist subcontractors was key to keeping the project on track.
Since reopening, the impact of the redevelopment has been immediate. Dedicated technical infrastructure now separates operational and production demands, enabling concurrent programming and more efficient delivery of hybrid events. The upgraded digital backbone allows faster transitions between rehearsals, performances, recordings and education activities.
Acoustic improvements in Jerwood Hall were also delivered as part of the project, with fixed overhead reflectors designed by Threshold Acoustics improving clarity, presence and ensemble awareness for performers.
According to LSI project manager Liam Hawes, the result is a building that can now support a broader range of activity, often simultaneously, while respecting the constraints of its historic fabric. For the LSO, the Future Ready project marks a shift from maintaining legacy systems to operating a venue designed to support evolving artistic, educational and digital ambitions well into the future.