where we've been
Construction updates
Building from the ground up
Excellent progress in The Generator's basement. The space has been fully insulated with reflective foil barriers – essential for achieving our net carbon zero energy goal – and work has now progressed to installing the viticulture board cladding. Every layer brings us closer to opening our doors in Spring 2026.
Walls taking shape
After much pressure, it's been a Viroc week at The Generator.
Work is continuing at pace as these cement-bonded particle boards transform our walls and stairwell. The material provides excellent acoustic and thermal performance while maintaining the building's industrial character, working beautifully alongside our heritage metalwork stairs. The industrial aesthetic is taking shape- clean lines meeting robust functionality.
New infrastructure, original soul
Your concerns were heard: would we preserve The Generator's character? These images answer that question. Original brickwork, steel trusses, and industrial features remain central to our design. We're adding the infrastructure for a modern cultural venue while respecting the building's 1930s soul.
From framework to focal point
The bar structure is now in place in the main hall – raw plywood awaiting its final finish. This will be where conversations start, connections are made, and the community gathers. Watch this space transform into The Generator's social hub.
Sound engineering in progress
Look up- acoustic baffles are going in. These suspended panels might look simple, but they're doing serious work: controlling echoes, managing sound quality, and ensuring every seat in the house gets the best audio experience possible. From intimate gigs to packed performances, the acoustics will be spot on.
Heritage brickwork restored
Original brickwork, features and paint preserved throughout. We've removed only loose or unstable material, revealing nearly a century of authentic patina and history. Our commitment to preservation isn't just words- it's written on these walls.
Foundation for performances
This polished concrete surface represents another major milestone – creating the durable, versatile foundation this multi-use venue demands. From packed gigs to intimate exhibitions, this floor will support it all. The transformation continues.
Connecting the levels
New circulation routes are taking shape. This contemporary staircase connects the ground floor to the original mezzanine level, complementing the existing heritage metalwork while providing modern accessibility standards. The contrast between old and new structural elements highlights our approach: respect the past, build for the future.
Connecting the vision
Our new metal staircase installation begins! This sturdy steel structure is being fitted behind the cloakroom area and will provide essential access to our upper floor. Another milestone reached as The Generator's transformation continues to take shape.
The main staircase is critical infrastructure for meeting accessibility requirements and building regulations. The steel construction respects the building's industrial character while providing modern, safe circulation between ground floor and mezzanine. Positioned behind the cloakroom, it integrates into the building's flow without disrupting main hall activities. The staircase unlocks the full two-storey potential of the space, allowing smooth movement during events and enabling us to use both levels simultaneously. Another structural piece of the puzzle falling into place.
New level unlocked
Another milestone moment in our renovation as the steel framework & metal flooring are now installed on our new mezzanine! This impressive addition significantly expands our usable space, creating exciting new possibilities:
The new mezzanine provides flexible areas for workshops, creative workspaces, breakout zones during events, and intimate performances. The industrial steel-decked construction respects the building's heritage character while meeting modern standards. From up here, you can appreciate the full scale of the main hall- the exposed brick, original roof trusses, and dramatic volume of the space.Increasing our programming capacity, the mezzanine allows us to host multiple activities simultaneously and creates the versatility a modern cultural venue demands.
Connecting the vision
Our new metal staircase installation begins! This sturdy steel structure is being fitted behind the cloakroom area and will provide essential access to our upper floor. Another milestone reached as The Generator's transformation continues to take shape.
The main staircase is critical infrastructure for meeting accessibility requirements and building regulations. The steel construction respects the building's industrial character while providing modern, safe circulation between ground floor and mezzanine. Positioned behind the cloakroom, it integrates into the building's flow without disrupting main hall activities. The staircase unlocks the full two-storey potential of the space, allowing smooth movement during events and enabling us to use both levels simultaneously. Another structural piece of the puzzle falling into place.
