Derby theatre plans set to advance

Plans to restore Derby’s Guildhall Theatre and enhance Derby Theatre are set to move forward this week, as part of a major investment.On 10 April, Derby City Council’s cabinet will agree terms for use of £20m Government Levelling Up Funding allocated to the city.The funding will be split evenly between the Guildhall Theatre and Derby Theatre. The two projects combined will generate an additional £2.7m per year for the local economy.A partnership agreement has been drawn up by the two organisations to agree details of how the funding will be spent.The council’s cabinet is set to agree the terms of the agreement. The £10m 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.Restoration plans for the Guildhall Theatre will 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.Cllr Nadine Peatfield, deputy leader of Derby 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.”Derby Theatre’s £10m allocation will enable the Theatre and the University of Derby to complete phase one of its New Horizons project, bringin forward a new accessible studio theatre and Learning and Research Hub.