Architect's surprise 70th bash at Belgrade Theatre

ARCHITECT Michael Partridge was treated to a surprise 70th birthday party at the Belgrade Theatre yesterday.

He thought he was going to a meeting but was greeted by past clients, colleagues and family for a champagne reception and buffet at the building, which he helped to redevelop three years ago.

His firm, Michael Partridge Project Partnership, has also restored parts of Foxford and Whitley Abbey School, and Henley College.
 
He also announced his firm has merged with Callingham Associates Architects, which will continue to work on projects in Coventry.

Michael said: “I was 100 per cent surprised. I couldn’t believe it - I thought I was going to a meeting. It’s been lovely catching up with clients and my old partner Jim Sorrell.”

He added: “I think being an architect is a creative career and something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a job that I love and there is nothing better than a satisfied client and we’ve had many of those over the years.”