Troxy Case Study: Increasing A Venue's Capacity In An Art Deco Listed Venue

Brief

In 2011, Adam was offered the role of Operations Director at Troxy, which presented a fresh challenge. The objective was clear: to boost the venue's capacity from 2,661 to 3,100 people while minimising capital investment. This ambitious task was to be accomplished within a tight 2-year timeframe, allowing Troxy to fully leverage its expanded capacity and tap into the lucrative live music market.

In addition to the primary objective of increasing venue capacity, his role as Operations Director at Troxy encompassed comprehensive management of venue operations. This involved overseeing all aspects of health and safety protocols, as well as ensuring seamless event delivery.

Analysis
The venue, originally a majestic art deco cinema dating back to 1933, had undergone a transformation into a contemporary event space. Initially designed to accommodate 3,500 people theatre-style for cinema screenings, its vast 15-meter-high ceilings and spacious floor area presented what seemed like a straightforward task.

However, navigating the complexities of modern regulations and the venue's listed building status proved challenging. Changes in fire safety regulations since 1933 necessitated a careful reassessment of the venue's exits. Additionally, the presence of asbestos throughout the structure added another layer of complexity to any renovation plans.

While the venue boasted 21 exits on its exterior, internal considerations and shared access points posed accessibility challenges. These factors underscored the importance of meticulous planning and adherence to safety standards in the venue's transformation process.

Focus
The focus had to move away from the outside exits as these were not able to be changed due to listing or structure reasons. Instead my efforts were redirected to the inside exits which whilst a lot were fixed, there were some areas that could be improved with minimal cost and would not impact on the overall operations of the venue.

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• Exit Doors: Modern push bars were already installed on all exits to facilitate safe egress. While outer doors retained their original width, inner doors had been narrowed for aesthetic reasons, with push bars mounted on wooden blocks. Additionally, fire resistance had only been installed to 30 minutes, falling short of the expected hour.

 

• Travel Routes: Modern amenities like bathrooms had been added over the years, necessitating additional corridors for access. However, these corridors inadvertently increased travel distances during emergencies, as they were discreetly positioned rather than strategically placed.

 

• Accessibility: Whilst the upper ground floor was accessible to wheelchair users, the lower ground floor or circle were not. However given the design of the building, the main upper ground floor exits had stairs in order to reach street level on the emergency exits and even the rear exits without stairs did have a large step once outside.

 

• Alarm: The fire alarm already had a delay and zoned. The management plan had been calculated on the 2,661 capacity and it just needed upgrading in order to meet with the increased capacity.

 

• Staffing and Process: Addressing capacity involved not only optimising floorspace and exit routes but also revising staffing and evacuation protocols to ensure compliance with safety standards and efficient emergency response.

Change
Once a comprehensive plan was devised to enhance capacity, it was time for implementation.

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• Exit Doors: Internal doors were widened, restoring them to their original width, and push bars were repositioned without wooden blocks. Fire measures on doors were upgraded to one-hour seals, allowing for measurement of travel distance to internal fire exit doors. This widening provided an additional 150 people capacity across the 21 exits.

 

• Travel Routes: An additional internal door was installed which lead directly to a bank of fire exits. Previously one double door and one single was leading to a bank of three double door exits. However with the addition of this double door, leading directly to this bank of exits we were able to utilise the full exit capacity of this bank of exits.

 

• Accessibility: Refuse points with evac chairs, emergency buttons, and staff protocols were strategically added. Staff received training on safe evacuation procedures for these areas.

 

• Alarm: Whilst revising the plan improvements were made with additional checks and safeguards put into place. The management plan was updated and regular training and drills given on evacuation.

 

• Staffing and Process: Rigorous training was provided for staff, with a minimum of 1 trained security/fire marshal per 100 people. All staff received event-day training on safe evacuation procedures specific to their location.

In addition to the aforementioned focus areas, several other factors were considered to enhance capacity, including air change, air conditioning, and adherence to the 45-degree rule. These aspects were integral to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for attendees while maximising the venue's capacity.

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• Air Change: Ensuring adequate air change rates throughout the venue was essential to maintain air quality and mitigate the risk of airborne contaminants. This involved evaluating the existing ventilation system and making necessary adjustments or upgrades to meet industry standards.

 

• Air Conditioning: Proper functioning of the air conditioning system was crucial to regulate temperature and humidity levels, especially in a large event space. Assessing the efficiency of the system and addressing any issues or inefficiencies was imperative to create a comfortable environment for guests. Subsequent works have been completed on this with the original 1933 water cooled system being reinstated to cool the venue.

 

• 45-Degree Rule: Adhering to the 45-degree rule, which specifies the maximum angle of travel to reach an exit, was essential for efficient evacuation in the event of an emergency. Evaluating the layout of the venue and ensuring clear and direct pathways to exits were key considerations in optimising the venue's capacity while maintaining safety standards.

 

• Ingress: The entry points of the venue were evaluated to streamline the process of guests entering the premises. This involved assessing the number and location of entry doors, optimising queuing areas to prevent congestion, and implementing measures to expedite the check-in process. A dedicated team was implemented to patrol the local area to assist on parking requirements for the venue. By improving the ingress process, we were able to reduce wait times and facilitate smoother entry for attendees.

 

• Egress: Similarly, the exit points of the venue were carefully analysed to ensure smooth and efficient departure for guests after events. Clear signage indicating exit routes, well-lit pathways, and unobstructed exits were essential considerations in optimising egress. Additionally, staff training on crowd management techniques were implemented to facilitate orderly departure and minimise congestion. By enhancing the egress process, we could effectively manage crowd flow and ensure a positive guest experience.

 

• Cloakroom: To streamline egress, multiple cloakroom locations were strategically placed throughout the building, each equipped with colour-coded tickets for easy retrieval. This ensured efficient retrieval of belongings and minimised congestion during departure.

 

• Water Stations: In addition to optimising exit routes, we also prioritised guest comfort and safety by installing additional water stations throughout the venue. These stations provided easy access to safe drinking water, ensuring that guests remained hydrated throughout their time at the event. By offering convenient access to water, we aimed to enhance the overall guest experience and promote their well-being during their visit to the venue.

By addressing these additional considerations alongside the main focus areas, we were able to implement comprehensive measures to enhance the venue's capacity and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Reception
In just 15 months, the venue achieved the desired capacity increase, successfully completing the necessary renovations, paperwork, and staff training. With its enhanced capabilities, the venue began hosting sold-out live music performances, attracting top artists and delighting audiences.

Learnings
The challenge presented was formidable, yet it became an invaluable opportunity for growth. Prior to this project, my understanding of operational health and safety was proficient, but through tackling this endeavour, I delved deeply into every facet of health and safety protocols. This immersive experience not only expanded my knowledge but also honed my skills in navigating intricate safety measures. Embracing this challenge fostered a newfound appreciation for the complexities of ensuring safety within event venues.