Multimillion-pound refurbishment underway at Chesterfield theatre and museum

The multimillion-pound refurbishment of Chesterfield’s theatre and museum has started, marking the beginning of the transformation of Stephenson Memorial Hall into a new cultural venue in the town centre.

The refurbishment, led by Chesterfield Borough Council, focuses on Stephenson Memorial Hall, housing both the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum.

Key aspects of the project include creating a unified entrance, expanding the theatre, reconfiguring the museum, adding community spaces, and introducing a new café bar.

Midlands construction firm, G F Tomlinson assumed control of the site in November and will oversee the project’s execution.

Initially announced in 2021, the project received funding from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

After preparatory works, including asbestos removal, ground investigations, and a strip-out, the Museum and Theatre closed in 2022 to pave the way for the upcoming improvements.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Since closing in 2022 we’ve been very busy behind the scenes both preparing the building for renovation and finalising the plans with our partners including our fantastic architecture team to ensure our ambitions can be realised. I’m delighted that G F Tomlinson have now begun work on site to deliver this project for our residents, we look forward to working closely with them over the next few years and keeping everyone updated on progress within the building.

“This is a landmark building in our town and a place where generations of Chesterfield residents have created lasting memories. This project seeks to protect this building for the future but also enhance the visitor experience which will encourage more people to attend shows and visit our museum.

“The council is facing significant financial pressures now and in future years, but by securing external investment to transform the building and make improvements to energy efficiency, we are ensuring that our facilities provide the best possible value for money and contribute to our climate change targets.This ambitious project will benefit both our community and our economy – we are committed to investing in the future of our borough, to ensure it can thrive for years to come and has first class facilities for both residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Chris Flint, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re delighted to be commencing the delivery of the multi-million-pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall to revitalise this high-profile building into a cultural venue and tourism hot spot in Chesterfield.

“Works will include enhancements to the Corporation Street site, transforming the building into a landmark state-of-the-art facility in the main town centre. Once complete, we look forward to the opportunities that this will bring to the local area, in terms of its arts and entertainment offering – with its expanded theatre, reconfigured museum, improved community spaces and café bar.”