Belfast's Grand Opera House dates from 1894-5. It was designed by Frank Matcham, the leading theatre designer of the time.

The extension is adjacent to Matcham's building, wrapping around it. The foyer entrance faces Great Victoria Street and the stage door Glengall Street.

The site is a prominent one in the city, with close connections to the commercial centre. The new building has helped create an all-day destination venue, rethinking the way foyer spaces work and dissolving the boundaries between performance area and foyers.