Plans for city’s much-loved theatres set to move forward

Plans to restore the Guildhall Theatre and enhance Derby Theatre are set to take an important step forward this week.

Derby City Council’s cabinet is expected to agree terms for the use of £20 million of government Levelling Up Funding allocated to Derby.

The funding will be split evenly between the Guildhall Theatre and Derby Theatre.

Combined, it is expected that the two projects will generate an additional £2.7 million per year for the local economy.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, deputy leader at the city council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, said: “By bringing the Guildhall Theatre back into use, we can not only restore one of our historic buildings but create more space for community-led arts groups to perform right in Derby’s cultural heart.

“We’re on a mission to put culture at the heart of our city, bringing pride to our high streets, and attracting further investment into the city.

“Change is coming and what is planned for Derby’s Market Place is truly exciting.”

The £10 million allocated to the Guildhall Theatre will contribute to the restoration of the Grade II listed building to its former glory and once again welcome audiences.

Plans include a new front of house experience with enhanced foyer, as well as a new ground floor cafe and box office opening onto the Market Place.

The auditorium will also be remodelled to increase the seating capacity to around 280.

Back of house facilities will also be renovated to make the venue more accessible.

Other improvements include refurbished dressing rooms and the installation of a new service lift.

A new courtyard will also be included in the works, adjacent to Derby’s historic Market Hall, which is due to re-open in the spring of 2025 following major renovations.

Derby Theatre’s £10 million allocation will enable the theatre and the University of Derby to complete phase one of its New Horizons project, delivering a state-of-the-art accessible studio theatre and Learning and Research Hub.

The hub will allow the theatre and university to develop further its undergraduate and postgraduate offer.

Sarah Brigham, artistic director and chief executive at Derby Theatre, said: “These are exciting times for Derby Theatre as we continue to trailblaze new ways of training the next generation of professionals and creating high quality theatre for our communities.

“We are known for working directly with people from all backgrounds to release their creativity and this first phase of expansion on our current site will allow us to do even more of that.

“I’m excited that as we approach our 50th birthday we are adding a new auditorium to the site and our longer-term plans will see a refreshed front of house and backstage facilities.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor at the University of Derby and chair of Derby Theatre Board of Trustees, said: “Derby Theatre makes a significant contribution to the cultural life of our city, and provides unique opportunities for the university’s students to gain real-life experience and practical skills in a working theatre environment.

“As a civic university, we are proud to support and champion the great work it does in opening doors and widening participation in cultural activities among our diverse communities.

“We look forward to working closely with the city council and all our partners to ensure continued growth and development to further enhance its positive impact.”

The Guildhall restoration works are currently planned to begin on site in summer 2025 and be completed in late 2027.