WW: We're still talking about designing, we haven't reached the building yet, and in fact part of the layer upon layer of difficulty here has to do with the costs and the agreements with the loss adjusters and the rest. So John Clarke who is QS to this project, John I'd like to ask you if you would cement on these things. JoC: Thank you William. We were appointed as quantity surveyors in March 1990, one month after the fire. Our first task, as with all projects, was to understand the client's objectives, and these we considered to be the wish to use the opportunity that the fire had created to upgrade this theatre to modern standards. In addition he wished to use the opportunity to look at ways in which the airspace above the theatre could be used. The theatre had limited funds and completing the project at minimum cost with maximum reimbursement from the loss adjusters was an important consideration. At the same time we needed to understand the likely scope of the project. This was difficult and involved discussion with all members of the design team, the client, various other parties, in order that we could prepare an initial budget.

JoC: That budget or the first budget, was of a theatre scheme with offices above, and was prepared in July 1990.