New arts venue planned as future of Derby Guildhall remains unclear

Derby City Council says it is “exploring options” to create a 300-400 seat semi-permanent performance venue in the city centre.

The proposed venue would serve as a stop-gap while plans for a new large scale cultural space take shape. Any new venue, be it temporary or permanent, would either complement or replace the Guildhall Theatre’s events offering depending on the stricken venue’s progress.

The future of the Grade II-listed theatre was thrown into doubt last September after contractors discovered that the fabric of the building was in worse condition than previously thought.

Problems with the building initially came to light following repairs to the auditorium ceiling, leading to its closure in January 2019.

The theatre was expected to reopen later in the year but it was found to be in such poor condition that the necessary repair work would put its historic infrastructure at risk and require Listed Building Consent.

It is currently closed for business.

If the semi-permanent venue proves feasible, the Council says will look to make a decision to go ahead with the project “in the coming weeks.”

Cllr Robin Wood, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “At the moment the options are being explored to see what can be done and what is practical. There is strong desire to generate cultural activity in the centre of Derby and this option might help deliver that quickly.”