Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre has gained funding to start work to replace its outdated heating and cooling systems and to refurbish its roof.
This first phase will start at the end of September and is expected to be completed by January 2025.
It is part of a larger project which will also involve an interior refurbishment of the theatre’s McCarthy auditorium, home to both live shows and cinema screenings.
SJT received £393,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered through North Yorkshire Council. The theatre received a further £150,000 from Garfield Weston Foundation and £50,000 from the Bernard Sunley Foundation, with the remainder of the project being supported through by the Scarborough Theatre Development Trust and the theatre’s own reserves.
Executive Director Caroline Routh says:
“We are hugely grateful to our funders for making it possible for us to deliver this first phase of the project.
Our air handling systems were installed when we moved into the former Odeon cinema in 1996, and they are now at or beyond their expected lifetime.
Our flat roof is also over 25 years old and leaks water in and heat out. Replacing them will help ensure the continued operation of the theatre as well as taking us a step closer to our goal of becoming a net zero institution."
Chair Sarah Nicholson says
“These are very exciting plans for us.
The SJT is an important cultural asset within a regenerating Scarborough and North Yorkshire. We’re a key contributor to the town and county’s tourism offer with an annual economic impact of £4.6million.
Our work is also a vital community resource for Scarborough; we provide year-round creative opportunities for 30,000 people and each year give around 1,000 £1 tickets to those who may otherwise be unable to afford a trip to the theatre.
The overall project will take some time to complete, as we’re keen to keep the building open and accessible as much as possible during the work, but we are very excited to be taking this first step”.
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, who is chair of the UKSPF partnership group, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the positive impact the fund is having in our communities.
By supporting projects such as the building upgrade at Stephen Joseph Theatre, it demonstrates our commitment to investing in North Yorkshire’s cultural offer.
The theatre is a popular landmark on the coast, and its success is vital for a thriving tourist economy. We hope the benefits of the work will be felt for generations to come.”
The theatre will be open as usual throughout the first phase of the project, Monday to Saturday 10am to close.
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