Facade Restoration at Victoria Palace Theatre

It’s a joy to see The Duke of York re-open its doors once again as COVID restrictions are slowly lifted. The pub and the Little Ben clock are fundamental elements of the area surrounding the Grade II* listed Victoria Palace Theatre, which Stonewest restored and extended ahead of its re-opening to stage the musical, Hamilton. The public house is frequented by theatre-goers, commuters and locals and is the second to be built on the site. The former pub, other than the Victoria Street façade, was demolished in 2013 to allow London Underground to undertake upgrading works to Victoria Station.

Stonewest were appointed to restore the facades to their former glory. Works included repairing the retained stucco elevation whilst the Allington Street elevation was rebuilt by the main contractor using a steel frame blockwork, to which Stonewest applied traditional stucco embellishment. The details of the original facades were recreated using pre-cast stone window cills and traditional lime stucco render for major cornices, strings and window surrounds. Expansion joints were used to complement the modern backing structures.

At the north-east corner, the building forms a stepping out lightwell with the Victoria Palace Theatre. Missing elements of decorative finishes were re-created. The windows and ironmongery are a particular feature and all were also recreated, adhering to modern building regulations, which completed the faithful replication of the original pub. Stonewest’s work in stucco and faience to the pub and theatre respectively complement each other incredibly well.