Key details
Through UK Government funding, we're enhancing the iconic Grade II listed Victoria Theatre so that more people can enjoy all that this venue has to offer. We’re improving accessibility, making it easier to get into the theatre, and creating a new food and beverage offer. This will encourage greater daytime use, opening the theatre to different customers who may not have visited before.
Current status
Plans
We are making several improvements to enhance the experience of visitors to Victoria Theatre, these plans include:
A new box office
We’re relocating the box office to Commercial Street. The new box office will have its own independent opening hours where people can call or visit in person for tickets and booking information.
Improved access
We’re installing a lift in the new box office (on Commercial Street) to take visitors with accessibility requirements up to the Circle Level Bar. This is a key milestone in the theatre's history that will make it easier for people to access and use this area. We're also fitting a platform lift to take visitors the from the theatre foyer to the auditorium.
Bar and café
We’re upgrading the foyer (where the current box office is) with a brand-new café bar. This will:
- Create opportunities to hold small and intimate performances.
- Provide a new food and drink offer.
- Enhance the experience of visitors to Victoria Theatre.
Accessible toilets
We’re installing two accessible toilets; one in the new café bar area and one at the Circle Level.
Benefits
Economic Growth
We’re creating opportunities for Halifax high street to grow and thrive. These changes will enhance Halifax town centre and aim to increase the number of visitors.
Visitor Economy
These changes will boost Victoria Theatre’s daytime offer and provide theatregoers with the opportunity for pre-show dining.
Accessibility
We’re making the theatre more accessible, making it easier for more people to visit and enjoy all that Victoria Theatre has to offer.
Community
We’re creating a place where people can come together to enjoy food and drink in a wonderful setting.
Culture
We’re making changes that will encourage more diverse audiences and performances to this iconic venue.
Progress
October 2024
Improved access takes centre stage as work progresses at The Victoria Theatre. All structural changes are complete and three new lifts have been installed including:
- a passenger lift between the new box office and circle level;
- a stairlift at circle level providing access to the Circle Bar;
- and a platform lift for access between the foyer and the stalls.
Two new accessible toilets have been fitted, one at circle level and one in the new café bar area. These changes will make it easier for people with accessibility requirements to visit the theatre.
Work to create the new café bar and the box office is underway with plumbing, heating and electrics being installed. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The theatre will then begin preparations for opening the new spaces and facilities.
March 2024
Work is progressing to enhance The Victoria Theatre with a key milestone reached. Structural work linking the foyer with the old box office and vacant retail unit to create a new café bar is complete.
New openings have been created with supporting lintels installed.
December 2023
Morris and Spottiswood have been appointed to carry out the work to enhance Victoria Theatre. Work on site has now started and will initially focus on creating the new box office (formerly the Ivor Burns shoe shop) on Commercial Street.
Victoria Theatre will be open as normal throughout the renovations.
June 2023
Following planning approval, the tender process has begun to appoint a contractor.
Funding
Approximate scheme value: £1.80M.
This project was made possible through funding from: