The Futurist Theatre in Scarborough was built in 1921 and played host to many world-famous artists – namely, The Beatles – but finally closed in 2014. In 2017 it was deemed unsustainable as a theatre venue by Scarborough Borough Council and it was agreed amid high contention the Futurist would be demolished to make way for new business.

Howard Civil Engineering were selected by main contractor Willmott Dixon to deliver a complex enabling and cliff stabilisation package.

The enabling works to the seafront road were necessary to provide safe access to the Futurist theatre ahead of the main demolition works and slope stabilisation was imperative to ensure the safety of the cliff.

During an initial pre-demolition phase, enabling works to the seafront carriageway and the first stage of the slope stabilisation; installing concrete ballast against the rear internal walls whilst the theatre remained intact, was undertaken.

Commencing works on the second phase, the cliff stabilisation, March 2019.

Vacuum excavation working around live services in preparation to install a new draining scheme and retaining wall, March 2019.

Our on-site team were treated to a hearty breakfast by our client, Willmott Dixon, to say thank you for their hard work and outstanding health and safety standards – well done, team! April 2019

Works advancing on the North retaining wall, April 2019.

Done and dusted! Completed works to the Blands Cliff stabilisation, May 2019.

The Futurist site is earmarked to be bought by popular theme park company Flamingo Land.