National Theatre appoints architects to produce master plan

Haworth Tompkins were responsible for the recent redevelopment of the National Theatre Studio in the former Old Vic annexe in The Cut. The firm's other local projects include the Young Vic theatre and the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre.

The National Theatre says that it is "in a new phase of thinking about how its mission is reflected in its building".

The theatre said in a statement: "We want to explore ways in which the building can respond to the dramatically changing environment of the South Bank, and to the NT's evolving ideas of institutional transparency. There is also an ongoing need for replacement of infrastructure, and an increased pressure to reduce energy consumption."

The National had already commissioned Haworth Tompkins to write a conservation management plan for its listed building which is due to be published imminently.

The firm will now also produce a master plan which likely to include the development of a site to house the NT's education and participation activity, and to animate the sides and rear of the theatre building and terraces.

The NT's annual report notes: "To the rear of the building, the simple brick box containing rehearsal rooms and the workshops for carpentry, metalwork, scenic painting and props, abuts an under-used piece of land which we hope might be the site for education and participation facilities that weren't included in the original building."

Haworth Tompkins beat competition from David Chipperfield, Allies and Morrison, Levitt Bernstein and Dixon Jones to win the commission to masterplan.

Southwark-based Allies and Morrison were responsible for the refurbishment of the neighbouring Royal Festival Hall.