Curtain up for theatre projects after £20m funding secured

Government funding for two major cultural projects in Derby has been secured, paving the way for the restoration of the historic Guildhall Theatre, and Derby Theatre’s redevelopment project.

Sign-off for £20 million of funding, which was put on hold when the General Election was called, has now been confirmed by the Ministry of Communities, Housing and Local Government.

Partners Derby City Council, the University of Derby and Derby Theatre will now work to develop their plans for the two buildings.

Half of the funding will go towards bringing the Grade II listed Guildhall Theatre back into use. Further funding has been allocated from the council’s capital budget, and opportunities for match funding are being explored.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “It’s fantastic news that this much-needed funding has been secured for our city.

“Now we can look towards restoring one of our historic buildings and create more space for community-led arts groups to perform right in the city’s cultural heart.”

The other half of the funding will go towards a new accessible and flexible studio theatre adjoining the current building at Derby Theatre.

In addition, a new Learning and Research Hub will develop further the undergraduate and postgraduate offer to study theatre in a professional setting and give more space to Derby Theatre’s expanding community programme.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that plans to develop Derby Theatre are progressing forwards.

“The theatre plays a vital role in the creative and cultural ecology of our city and is a key part of our university.

“As a professional, producing and learning theatre, it provides our students with a unique and valuable opportunity to study alongside professionals.

“We are fully committed to supporting Derby Theatre and the regeneration of our city and look forward to continuing to work with partners on this project.”

Sarah Brigham, chief executive and artistic director at Derby Theatre, said: “These new facilities will enable us to expand and embed our community programmes into the heart of the theatre, become a hot house for artistic talent in the city and develop work which suits a more intimate setting.

“At a difficult time for artists and cultural venues, we are delighted by this vote of confidence in Derby Theatre.”