The Storyhouse, Chester

Storyhouse is one of the UK's most ambitious cultural regeneration projects, transforming a former Art Deco cinema in the heart of Chester into a vibrant multi-use destination that brings together theatre, cinema, library, learning, and community spaces under one roof.

As the lead FF&E consultant, our role spanned more than two years of collaboration, design development, stakeholder engagement, manufacturing, and installation. Working closely with architects Ellis Williams and Bennett Associates, we helped bring the £37 million vision to life, creating a welcoming environment that reflects Chester's unique identity while supporting a diverse range of users and activities.

Storyhouse challenged traditional perceptions of what a library should be. Rather than creating a separate destination within the building, the library was carefully woven throughout the wider cultural environment, encouraging discovery, interaction, and participation.

Our space planning approach focused on creating a series of distinct yet connected zones that allow visitors to experience the library in different ways. Library shelving is integrated throughout the building, forming natural hubs for browsing, socialising, learning, and reading while complementing the wider theatre and cinema experience.

Dedicated spaces include:

• Informal reading and relaxation areas
• Community meeting spaces
• Quiet study and reading rooms
• Family and children's learning zones
• Areas celebrating local and family history
• Flexible spaces that support events, storytelling, and community activities

This zoning strategy enables visitors to choose how they engage with the space while creating a seamless connection between culture, learning, and community life.

One visitor described it as "An inspirational place to make, share and tell great stories, the new Storyhouse library is not your usual library". 

A key objective of the project was to ensure the building retained a strong sense of place and reflected Chester's heritage while supporting a contemporary cultural experience.

The design language draws inspiration from the original Art Deco building, reinterpreting historic features through modern materials and detailing. A distinctive dark-stained plywood cladding became a defining feature throughout the development, creating visual continuity across the building and helping visitors intuitively navigate between different spaces.

We designed, manufactured, and installed the bespoke cladding system, which wraps library shelving, lift shafts, bars, and public areas throughout the building. The result is a warm, tactile environment that balances intimacy with dramatic architectural impact.

The consistent material palette helps create a strong identity for Storyhouse while supporting wayfinding, zoning, and user experience across the diverse mix of spaces.

Community engagement was integral to the project's success from the earliest planning stages.

Over two years, we participated in stakeholder workshops, design reviews, consultations, and co-creation sessions to ensure the finished spaces reflected the needs of local residents and library users.

One of the most successful examples of this collaborative approach was the children's library, where pupils from a local primary school helped select colours and contribute ideas for the space. The resulting environment includes a dedicated den and storytelling room that supports creativity, reading, and regular family-focused activities.

Throughout Storyhouse, dedicated areas celebrate local stories, family history, and community heritage, helping visitors connect with Chester's past while creating new memories for future generations.

Delivering a project of this scale required careful planning, coordination, and project management.

The bespoke cladding was manufactured to meet strict design requirements and installed in phases to align with wider construction programmes and specialist contractor works. Close collaboration between all project partners ensured the design vision was maintained while meeting programme and operational requirements.

The project showcases our ability to manage complex public-sector and cultural developments, delivering integrated FF&E solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, durability, and user experience.

Today, Storyhouse stands as a landmark cultural destination and a powerful example of how thoughtful design can bring people together.

By integrating library services into the wider cultural landscape, the project has created a more inclusive and engaging public space that supports learning, creativity, entertainment, and community connection.

Through carefully considered zoning, strong local identity, and extensive stakeholder collaboration, Storyhouse demonstrates how modern libraries can become catalysts for civic pride and community regeneration.

"One of the most exciting projects in England at the moment... a powerful, modern, forward-thinking vision."
Sir Peter Bazalgette, Former Chairman, Arts Council England