St Mary University College Auditorium

Transforming a Sports Hall into a Premium Lecture Theatre at St Mary's College Belfast

St Mary’s College Belfast recently embarked on an ambitious project to convert an old sports hall into a state-of-the-art lecture theatre. The goal was to create a modern, high-capacity educational space that would serve the needs of students and faculty alike. Moss Construction Ltd spearheaded the renovation, with Isherwood + Ellis providing the architectural vision. Ferco Seating was chosen to supply and install the seating solution, ensuring a blend of functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.

The primary objectives:-

Repurpose the Sports Hall: Transform the existing sports hall into a lecture theatre capable of accommodating large groups of students.

Provide Premium Seating: Install high-quality, durable seating that enhances the learning experience.

Ensure Sustainability: Use environmentally friendly materials in the seating upholstery.

SEATING CONFIGURATION

After a thorough client sampling process, the FT10 Wrimatic seat model was selected. This decision was influenced by positive feedback from similar installations at the University of Ulster and Belfast Metropolitan College, where the FT10 demonstrated excellent durability and comfort. Ferco installed a total of 363 FT10 Wrimatic Seats, including a combination of 3-seater and 2-seater beam seating, offering flexibility and maximizing the available space. The seating pitch is 535 mm center-to-center distance, ensuring ample legroom and comfort for all users. In addition, 54 Puma 2-Gang Power Units: Each unit includes a UK socket and twin USB charger type A+C, providing convenient power access for students' devices.

2 Adjustable Height Wrimatics: Equipped with gas lifts, these seats offer adjustable height for enhanced accessibility and comfort. The FT10 seats were upholstered in Camira Main Line Flax fabric, which is a blend of wool and plant-based fibres. This sustainable textile choice aligns with the college's commitment to environmental responsibility and provides a durable, attractive finish for the seating.

Implementation and Outcome

The project involved the coordination of multiple stakeholders, with Moss Construction managing the overall refurbishment and the tiering construction handled by another contractor. Ferco Seating's installation team worked efficiently to ensure the seating was installed to the highest standards.

KEY BENEFITS ACHIEVED

Enhanced Learning Environment: The new lecture theatre provides a comfortable and engaging space for students, facilitating better learning outcomes.

Sustainable Design: The use of eco-friendly materials in the seating upholstery reflects the college's commitment to sustainability.

Functional and Durable Seating: The FT10 Wrimatic seats offer robust, long-lasting performance, ensuring the lecture theatre remains a premier educational space for years to come.

The successful transformation of the old sports hall into a premium lecture theatre at St Mary’s College Belfast underscores Ferco Seating’s capability to deliver tailored, high-quality seating solutions. The project not only meets the immediate needs of the college but also sets a benchmark for future educational facility refurbishments.