AV Consultancy for refurbishment of heritage building for Edinburgh Fringe corporate HQ.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is set to move into a new home at 6 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, with works transforming a former Victorian school building into a year-round hub for the organisation. Fringe Central will provide support, marketing, and box office services, and will also offer rehearsal spaces for artists and organisations throughout the year.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Through funding from the UK Government we’re delighted that we are able to move forward with the long-held ambition of a new, accessible home for the Fringe Society which will benefit artists, community partners and the Edinburgh Fringe through a range of enhanced services throughout the year. We’re delighted to be working with Studio LBA on this project and can’t wait to open the doors to the new permanent Fringe Central later next year.”
Drama by Design was appointed to design the IT infrastructure and AV systems for the building. Our work included AV systems for the boardroom, executive office, meeting rooms, and digital signage, ensuring that every space is connected, intuitive to use, and capable of supporting both day-to-day operations and live presentations.
We were involved throughout the project, from concept design through detailed design, on-site monitoring, and witness testing. This approach ensured the AV and IT systems were fully integrated, compliant, and delivered to the highest professional standards.
In line with the Fringe Society’s ambition to make the Fringe a net zero carbon event by 2030, the project also includes upgrades to insulation and the installation of air source heat pumps. The building, dating back to 1736, will be made more accessible with an entrance ramp and internal lift, creating a fully inclusive environment for staff, artists, and visitors alike.
Through careful planning and close collaboration with the client and design team, Drama by Design has helped ensure that Fringe Central will be a future-ready, connected, and highly functional headquarters — supporting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe every day of the year.
