Latest news with #TheatresTrust
BBC News
29-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Charity praises plans to repair and reopen Redhill theatre
The UK's national advisory body for theatres has welcomed a council's commitment to repair and reopen a Surrey venue which was shut after unstable concrete was Harlequin Theatre in Redhill closed its doors in September 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found throughout the and Banstead Borough Council has said it expects the theatre to reopen in late spring 2027 if everything goes to Trust, a charitable organisation, described the arts centre as an "invaluable cultural space". The Surrey venue was at one stage listed among the most likely theatres in the country to close, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Earlier in June, the council's executive committee agreed a way forward that would involve a £4.5m repair job. Joshua McTaggart, Theatres Trust CEO, said: "We welcome the council's commitment to safely reopening the Harlequin Theatre and cinema while minimising the time the local community is left without this invaluable cultural space."We are also pleased to see progress being made on plans to create an additional art and culture venue in the area, which can only add to the vibrancy and appeal of the town."The agreed work will allow the theatre and cinema to open at its previous capacity, pending final full council sign off in plans, which would have run alongside repair work, have been put on hold, as the council considers handing over control to a private group.
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Quiet Scottish city named 'cultural powerhouse' - and it's a must-visit for bookworms
Stirling has been named as Scotland's best city for culture, according to new research - and it's a must-visit for bookworms and history buffs alike Stirling has been hailed as Scotland's cultural capital, according to recent research. A study commissioned by rail company LNER revealed that the city offers the most enriching cultural experiences for visitors. The research scrutinised 71 towns and cities across Scotland and England, focusing on five travel themes – family-friendly, sustainability, culture, outdoor experiences, and food. Relying on data from reputable sources such as the Theatres Trust, Companies House and UNESCO, it took into account a broad spectrum of factors - including the number of museums, theatres, historic sites, UNESCO listings, art and music events, and even bookshops. All data points were then adjusted for population size and weighted to generate a final score out of 100. One top city in England and one in Scotland were selected for each travel theme. Stirling was bestowed with the title of Scotland's 'culture capital', sharing the honour with its English counterpart, Cambridge. The findings showed that Stirling boasts the highest number of bookshops per capita in Scotland – with 16.5 per 100,000 people. It also hosts an impressive volume of art (84) and music (58) events per capita. Lastly, the city's seven diverse and high-quality museums – encompassing history and the arts, with standout venues like the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum – clinched the accolade. LNER has proclaimed Stirling as the leading cultural destination, stating: "With its fairytale skyline and deep historical roots, Stirling is a city where Scotland's story comes vividly to life." The company praised the city's size compared to its cultural influence noting: "It may be small in size, but it's mighty when it comes to cultural impact. With one of the highest numbers of museums, bookshops, historic sites and events per capita in Scotland, this historic city is a cultural powerhouse packed into a walkable, picturesque setting." LNER's Commercial Director, David Flesher, commented on the city offerings by saying: "When you're choosing where to go, it's not always easy to know what a city is really best at-especially if you're trying to plan something special. This research helps take out the guesswork and shows what different places have to offer." He further expressed his hopes that their guide would aid travellers in decision-making: "We hope this guide helps people make more informed choices, whether they're planning a day trip or a longer summer break. There are so many brilliant destinations on our route, and this is just one more way to celebrate them." Meanwhile, nearby Falkirk sealed the title of ' best destination for families', with LNER adding: "Nestled between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Falkirk is a lesser-known Scottish gem that's brimming with outdoor adventure, striking landmarks and family-friendly fun." Elsewhere in Scotland, Aberdeen secured the title of 'best destination for sustainability'. Inverness was named the 'best destination for outdoor enthusiast'. Edinburgh won the award for 'best destination for foodies'.
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Plans to revamp 'historic' Spilsby Sessions House reach milestone
Plans have been submitted to turn a "historic" theatre into a community building celebrating art and approved, the Grade II listed Sessions House, in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, will undergo major repairs and alterations, including improved access and a new café.The former court building was placed on the Theatres Trust's at-risk register in 2015, but the charity that runs it was granted £5m of government levelling up funding in trustee Bruce Knight said: "It feels amazing to have reached this point in the project. It's taken quite some time to do the design and do all the work that's been necessary." The proposal, which has been submitted to East Lindsey District Council, includes a part-change of use, as well as alterations to the existing theatre and community spaces would include the café, a meeting room, offices, a heritage display and an outdoor seating area. Mr Knight said the theatre would be opened up for greater public use by turning it into a multi-purpose facility with a "sustainable future". "We hope we can soon progress to the point of beginning to see the plans becoming a reality," Mr Knight added. An application for listed building consent was also Parikh, director of economic development at the council, said: "This is an important and historic building for Spilsby and a key piece of the vibrant cultural tapestry of East Lindsey. "Subject to approval, the scheme will enhance the heritage asset, support the local economy and generate visitors for the Lincolnshire Wolds."The proposal is open for comment on the East Lindsey Planning Portal. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
BBC News
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Margate Theatre Royal receives £5k grant for plaster works
The UK's second oldest working theatre is to receive a £5,000 grant to fund initial works to repair delicate ceiling Grade II* listed Theatre Royal in Margate has been awarded £5,325 by the Theatres Trust to pay for surveys to ornate plasterwork on the roof of the District Council, which owns the theatre, says £5m has been allocated to refurbish the building which is on the Theatres at Risk theatre is expected to open by the end of 2027, the council says. Bob Porter, the council's director of place, said: "The Theatre Royal is a building with great heritage significance. The council welcomes this grant from Theatres Trust, which means that we can carry out a specialist survey on the incredible plasterwork."It will give us a better understanding of what needs to be done to preserve this unique feature as part of the wider refurbishment project."The Theatre Royal, first built in 1787, closed in building is one of several theatres in the South East on the at risk register including Brighton's Hippodrome, Clair Hall in Haywards Heath, West Sussex and The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill, Theatre Royal is one of 10 theatres nationally to receive the Theatres Trust McTaggart, chief executive of Theatres Trust says: "All the theatres on our Theatres at Risk Register are special buildings that have real potential to bring joy and opportunities to their communities."Theatres Trust is delighted to support Theatre Royal Margate with this project that will help it move a step closer to its ultimate goal."
BBC News
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Plan to restore derelict Derby Hippodrome gets cash boost
An £8,750 grant has been awarded to fund the next stage towards restoring a derelict theatre in Derby city Grade II listed former Derby Hippodrome in Green Lane opened in 1914 and was last used as a bingo hall before it shut in Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) says it is determined to bring the building back to life as an alternative music venue and the grant from the Theatres Trust will be used to fund a condition group's chairman Derek Latham, said it was "another significant step in our journey towards getting this building re-used." DHBT, which hopes to create something similar to the famous Nottingham venue Rock City, has previously acknowledged the project faces as obstacles as the building is privately-owned, in need of urgent repairs and its listed status restricts what changes can be made to it. Mr Latham said the group was "delighted to receive the grant."We can't afford initially to put the whole thing back to where it was in terms of restoration so the question is how can we use it as early as possible in the repair and restoration process?" he said."We have posited the concept of just using the shell: making the shell safe then repairing some of the front of house buildings - and there are three storeys of those - so it can become a venue, possibly even without a roof at first so it is an open-air venue or maybe with just a simple tension [fabric] roof on the top.""This grant enables us to employ architects and a quantity survey to be able to look at the feasibility of that and to come up with defined, very clear solutions, that can practically be achieved so that way we know we can meet regulations... and make it safe for public assembly."Now we have the Becketwell Arena open at the other end of the street, it seems very appropriate to get this smaller venue up, which will fill the gap between the big new venue and the smaller venues that already exist in Derby." The Theatres Trust - the national advisory and advocacy body for theatres - said the Hippodrome was "a rare survival from an early stage in the crossover period when buildings were being constructed for both live theatre and cinema".A spokesperson said the building was substantially damaged in 2008 when repair works by the then-owner resulted in the partial demolition of the trust has awarded the money through its Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities executive Joshua McTaggart said: "We are thrilled to support 10 of these fantastic theatres with essential strategic projects that will lay the foundations for their revival." A Derby City Council spokesperson said: "Derby's historic buildings are important to our city centre, and we have been working closely with organisations like DHBT and Historic England to tackle owners who let them fall into disrepair."We value their expertise and dedication and will continue to support them in conserving Derby's historic environment."
