Green light for landmark theatre’s transformation
The landmark redevelopment of Leeds’ West Yorkshire Playhouse has been given the green light along with news that a multi-million pound grant towards the scheme has been pledged.
Arts Council England has today confirmed a total grant of £6.6m towards the redevelopment of the building.
The £14m project, led by Leeds City Council, will be funded by £4.4m from the council and £3m from the Playhouse’s own resources alongside the Arts Council England contribution.
The plans, submitted by the council, will deliver a full modernisation of the building, including the addition of the new Bramall Rock Void studio theatre space, improved access across the theatre, and a new city-facing entrance.
West Yorkshire Playhouse executive director Robin Hawkes said “This is a fantastic combination of news to receive just before Christmas. It is the culmination of nearly five years of hard work by so many people both at the Playhouse and at the Council, and means we can go into the New Year planning positively for a new era for our theatre. We are very grateful to Arts Council England for putting their trust in us to deliver this brilliant project, and look forward to giving Leeds the 21st Century theatre it deserves.”
Leader of Leeds City Council Cllr Judith Blake said “We are absolutely thrilled that this exciting project to transform one of our city’s most prominent and respected arts institutions has secured funding so pivotal to its continued progress.
“Working alongside our partners at West Yorkshire Playhouse for the past few years, our shared vision has been to reshape the venue into a modern, state-of-the-art theatre which is the focal point of a new cultural hub for the whole city to enjoy.
“This announcement will allow us to take a giant leap towards making that vision a reality, improving and securing the Playhouse and further enhancing our city’s world class cultural offering for future generations.”
The Playhouse will continue to stage work during the redevelopment process, temporarily transforming a workshop space on the theatre’s site into a 350 seat pop up theatre.
