CLIENT: Mercury Theatre
LOCATION: Colchester, Essex
ROLE: Strategic Advisor
PROJECT VALUE: 8.9million
STATUS: Ongoing
PROJECT OVERVIEW
IKS Consulting has played a key role in supporting Mercury Theatre Colchester in the realisation of its transformational capital redevelopment, known as the Mercury Rising project. Delivered by Colchester Borough Council on behalf of the theatre, the project was fuelled by major capital investment from Arts Council England, secured with IKS support.
The vision was to evolve the Mercury into a world-class cultural venue, improving audience experience, boosting operational capacity, and providing new creative spaces for artists and the local community.
SCOPE OF WORKS
Creative Regeneration
The redevelopment delivered significant enhancements across public areas, backstage facilities,
and creative learning spaces, including:
• A fully remodelled foyer with new ticketing and retail, an all-day café bar, and welcoming social spaces
• A purpose-built creative learning and talent development studio above the foyer
• A new production block supporting rehearsal, making, and technical operations
• Expansion of the main auditorium with an additional 40 seats
These improvements have created a brighter, more accessible, and more inclusive venue at the heart of Colchester’s cultural life.
PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS
Arts Elevated
• Larger, revitalised foyer open throughout the day
• Added capacity and comfort within the main auditorium
• Full accessibility throughout the building
• Flexible new café and community gathering spaces
• Dedicated rehearsal and participation areas
• Modernised backstage facilities to support high-quality productions
Added Value
IKS provided strategic advice throughout planning and delivery, aligning the theatre’s ambitions with robust commercial guidance and project controls. Our involvement helped ensure that every design decision supported long-term value while protecting budget, programme, and funding conditions.
We remain proud to have contributed to a venue that plays such a vital role in talent development, cultural expression, and community engagement.
Client Testimonial
“IKS are currently acting as Advisors to our £8.9 million Mercury Rising Capital Project to redevelop and upgrade the Mercury Theatre to provide world-class facilities for artists and audiences alike. Without IKS we would be lost. Both Iain and his team bring significant expertise and wisdom giving us the confidence that our ambitions can be achieved on time and on budget!”
— Steve Mannix, Executive Director, Mercury Theatre