Stage set for extensive improvements at historic theatre

Plans to improve the facilities and visitor experience at the Victoria Theatre, in Halifax, are moving forward with planning approval granted and a contractor for the works due to be appointed this autumn.

The theatre is a Grade II listed building in the town centre.

Funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund is set to enhance the experience for those visiting and ensure more people can enjoy what the theatre has to offer.

Plans feature a new box office on Commercial Street, with independent opening hours.

The current box office and part of the foyer area would become a new café/bar which would also be able to host small performances.

Access improvements are also included in plans, with a new lift taking visitors to the Green Room Bar for the first time in the venue’s history and two new accessible toilets being installed.

Planning approval, including listed building consent, for the project was granted earlier this year and now the process of appointing a contractor to carry out the works is underway.

Following this appointment, it is estimated that work will start in mid-October. Throughout the works, the theatre will be open as normal, with performances unaffected.

The work will be complete by summer 2024, in time for celebrations for the borough’s Year of Culture.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for towns, tourism and voluntary sector, Councillor Sarah Courtney, said: “Revitalising the stunning Victoria Theatre is a key part of the £11.7m Future High Streets work.

“This is an exciting time for Halifax, with the fund also supporting other projects in the town, including contributions to completed works at Northgate House, ongoing improvements at Halifax Borough Market and the planned creation of new welcoming spaces and better connections between existing attractions around the town.

“The Future High Street projects also complement further works in Halifax, including the new bus station and other improvements to the transport network.”

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for public services and communities, Councillor Jenny Lynn, said: “The Victoria Theatre has proudly stood in Halifax for over 120 years, delighting its audiences and over its long history hosting some of the biggest names in entertainment.

“The planned works, using Future High Streets funding, will support improvements to transform the foyer and box office area, creating new and improved facilities, including enhanced accessibility and new food and drink options.

“The works have been carefully designed to ensure we retain the wonderful heritage features of the iconic Grade II listed building.”