Backed by the Scottish Government through the Tay Cities Region Deal and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, the £14.5 million scheme will transform the existing 1980s Theatre and its unique 11-acre campus including Explorers Garden into a fit for the future national theatre in Pitlochry.

Suzie Bridges Architects designed the Phase 1 project which completed in September 2022, delivering a new Studio theatre and Foyer extension. For Phase 2, as a local practice, James F Stephen Architects have collaborated with Suzie Bridges Architects, who will continue their role as design architects for the Theatre, with JFSA leading project execution.

The project vision is to deliver a fully refurbished and reworked main theatre space, complementing the studio completed during Phase 1, and supporting Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s ambitions to provide radically enhanced access to their work.

Along with the main Theatre, the project will provide new production and rehearsal spaces, a transformation of the public spaces focusing on facilities for increased revenue generation, reinforced links to their unique riverside and garden setting, and radical improvements to the Theatre’s carbon footprint.

Paul Stephen, partner in James F Stephen Architects, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved the ongoing redevelopment of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and also to build on the successful collaboration we built up with SBA during the Phase 1 works.”

Suzie Bridges, founder and director of Suzie Bridges Architects, said: “The design concepts for the Phase 1 Studio and Foyer project set the groundwork for some very exciting opportunities to be developed through the coming phases of work. Our creative collaboration with the Theatre will offer new ways of conceiving and creating work and deliver a vibrant cultural venue for the local communities, visitors, performers, and staff.”

James F Stephen Architects will be executive architects, leading the delivery of the project. Based in Glamis, the practice is renowned for its ability to deliver high quality public buildings collaboratively, having fulfilled the role of executive architects on both V&A Dundee and Perth City Hall.

Suzie Bridges Architects will be design architects for the project. SBA is known for its expertise in designing and reimagining arts buildings, with clients including Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Wigmore Hall, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Royal and Derngate Theatres, CAST Doncaster, London Philharmonia, and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres.

JFSA and SBA developed a close working relationship during Pitlochry Festival Theatre Phase 1, when JFSA were selected to act as client representative during construction. Work is planned to start on site in early 2024.