Corn Exchange, Witney, Specialist Theatre Systems - Theatre Seating

The Corn Exchange is a grade II listed building in the heart of Witney, providing a social and

creative resource for the people of Witney and visitors.

It was built by the private 'Corn Exchange Company' in 1863, replacing a 16th Century

building used in the 1850's as a corn returns office. From the outset, it was used for social

events and meetings as well as corn dealings and housed several clubs and societies.

The main hall currently has no permanently installed technical theatre systems or seating so

the proposal is to install these systems to enable the venue to be utilised by local theatre and

music groups and small-scale touring productions.

This specification is for the supply and installation of theatre seating

• The seating system shall incorporate a fixed rear platform with an access corridor

underneath.

• It shall be telescopic and designed to conform to the latest standards for strength, stability

and safety, including, but not limited to BS5588.

• The seating unit shall be fixed in place, preferably to the brick rear wall.
• The TSC shall allow for checking all on site dimensions prior to manufacture to ensure the

finished product shall fit in the available space.

• The seating contractor shall allow for checking the existing floor finish (timber parquet on

concrete) to ensure proper operation of the telescopic unit.

• Layout and numbers of seats are shown on the enclosed drawings.
• Self-stacking side rails shall be provided to one side of the unit, it shall not be necessary to

remove the side rails prior to retracting the unit.

• A kick plate shall be provided to the other side of the unit adjacent to the wall.
• Some seats in the rear row shall be removable to allow for a control position to be created.
• All seats in the front row shall be removable in blocks of no more than 2 seats to allow for

wheelchair spaces to be created.

• A cost for timber fascia panels (including aisle infill panels) shall be provided as an option in

a finish to be confirmed.

• The TSC shall provide for all necessary materials and labour to complete the installation.
• Price shall include all costs, including delivery to site, installation, commissioning, training

and warranty.

• The TSC shall include for project management to include design of the seating units, site

visits to check site suitability and dimensions and to liaise with the design team, attendance

at site design/progress meetings as required, commissioning and training.

• Samples of seating options to be provided for evaluation during the contract with final

design and type/style of seating to be approved by the Client/Consultant prior to

manufacture. Specification is for the supply and installation of theatre seating