UK specialists in the design and manufacture of retractable seating for education, sport and the performing arts.
Retractable seating, also referred to as telescopic, raked or bleacher seating, creates an area of tiered seating that can be closed away to create a multipurpose space. The raked design enhances sightlines, improves audience comfort and maximises capacity. Hussey Seatway offers two retractable seating systems: Maxam and Seatway TP.
We work with schools, sports venues, universities, performing arts venues and leisure facilities across the UK and internationally, and ensure that all our products conform to relevant BS and EN standards. Our retractable seating masterclass covers everything you need to know before specifying a system.
Seatway TP
A market-leading retractable platform system. The Seatway TP features a fully welded platform structure for maximum performance whilst maintaining the adjustability of a traditional bolted structure. The system is engineered to our customer's exact requirements. The Seatway TP is used in high-profile venues including Alexandra Palace, the Royal Opera House and the Guild Hall School of Music.
Leeds grammar school
Northstowe Secondary College
Maxam
The Maxam Systems are regarded as one of the most reliable and robust telescopic systems in the industry. Designed for high- use venues such as schools and sporting facilities, the Maxam tiered bleachers are cost-effective and significantly enhance the audience experience.
Custom Solutions
We offer an extensive range of custom solutions to enhance our retractable seating offering. From double-depth rows, faceted units, and electronic partial opening devices we ensure each system is tailored to your venue's requirements whilst ensuring budget is adhered to.
University of the arts london
Available Seat Types
Notable Installations
Hussey Seatway has designed and installed retractable seating systems across some of the most prominent venues across the UK and internationally.
Recent notable installations include Fareham Live, an 800-seat venue in Hampshire where Seatway TP platforms were designed in a faceted arrangement with Space Max-L chairs upholstered in red velvet. The Seatway TP system has also been installed at Alexandra Palace, the Royal Opera House and Scandic Hotel Falkoner. The Maxam system is used extensively in schools and sports facilities across the UK.
Fareham Live
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is retractable seating?
Retractable seating, also known as telescopic, bleacher or raked seating is a seating system that folds away into a compact footprint when not in use and extends out to create tiered rows of seating when required. The raked design improves sightlines and audience comfort, and the retractable mechanism allows a single space to serve multiple purposes: a school sports hall can function as a performance venue, an examination hall, or a sports facility simply by operating the seating system.
Q: What is the difference between retractable, telescopic, bleacher and raked seating?
These terms are often used interchangeably, and all refer broadly to the same type of seating system. Retractable and telescopic describe the mechanism - the system extends and retracts. Bleacher describes the style of seating - typically bench seating arranged in tiered rows, commonly used in sports venues. Raked describes the floor or seating arrangement - stepped rows that slope upwards to improve sightlines. Hussey Seatway offers retractable systems with a range of seat types, including bench seating, upholstered chairs and courtside seating to suit any venue type.
Q: How long does retractable seating installation take?
Installation timescale depends on the scale and complexity of the system and the access arrangements for the site. A straightforward Maxam bleacher system in a school sports hall may take one to two weeks. A larger, bespoke Seatway TP installation in a performing arts venue or stadium can take several weeks. We provide a detailed project programme at the proposal stage so you can plan around the works, and all installations are carried out by our fully trained team with minimal disruption to the surrounding facility.
Q: Can retractable seating be installed in an existing building?
Yes. We carry out a full site survey to assess the floor structure, available floor area, ceiling height and egress requirements before producing detailed drawings and a specification. Our engineering team has experience of working with existing structures and spaces.
Q: What retractable seating systems does Hussey Seatway offer?
Hussey Seatway offers two market-leading retractable seating systems. The Seatway TP is a premium platform system with a fully welded structure, designed for high-profile performing arts venues, theatres and universities where bespoke design and quality of finish are priorities. The Maxam is a robust, cost-effective telescopic bleacher system designed for high-use environments such as school sports halls and sporting facilities. Both systems are available with a wide range of seat types and finish options.
Q: What maintenance does retractable seating require?
All retractable seating systems require periodic maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation over their lifetime. Hussey Seatway offers a dedicated service and maintenance programme including annual inspections, servicing agreements and spare parts supply. We also offer a refurbishment service that can extend the life of an existing system significantly. Our after-sales team support your seating system throughout its lifetime, whether it was originally installed by us or not.
Q: What standards does Hussey Seatway retractable seating comply with?
All Hussey Seatway retractable seating products and installations conform to relevant British and European standards including BS EN 13200 in the UK and ICC 300 in the USA. All steel structures conform to EN1090 execution class 2. Our site installers hold NVQ L2 Diploma Mechanical Manufacturing for Public Seating Installers as required by the UK CSCS scheme, and site supervisors hold SMSTS certification. We are CHAS, Constructionline Gold, SMAS and Safe Contractor accredited. Full details are available on our accreditations page.