Art Deco theatre to get 1930s-style makeover

It is hoped the plans will attract more theatregoers during the City of Culture year

Plans to improve disabled access at Bradford Playhouse and give the Art Deco theatre a makeover have been approved by the council.

A crowdfunding campaign has also been launched to raise £10,000 towards the cost of the work which the council hopes will allow the theatre to attract a wider audience during Bradford's year as City of Culture.

The plans include adding a lift and better disabled access and restoring much of the theatre's external 1930s design.

Jon Ackroyd, Bradford Council's conservation officer, said the building was of "considerable social and cultural significance" to the city.

Located in Chapel Street in Little Germany, Bradford Playhouse has been at the heart of the city's cultural scene since the 1930s.

Bradford playwright J B Priestley was president of the theatre from 1932 until his death in 1984.

'Bold' colour scheme

Under the new plans, external works will include a new doorway, the removal of metal additions from the 1990s and a repaint of the building – essentially restoring much of its 1930s design, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Internally there will be a new washroom and accessible toilets, and a lift from street level to the bar, box office and accessible seating.

Mr Ackroyd said: "The removal of metal additions installed in the 1990s and application of a new scheme of decoration will enhance the building. The colour scheme is bold but relevant to the Art Deco style.

"The proposed works will support the viability of the Playhouse, assisting its retained presence as a key component of the cultural and visual character of the conservation area."

Daniel Bates, executive director of Bradford City of Culture 2025, said: "We have been working with the team at Bradford Playhouse for the last 12 months on a scheme to improve access to the Playhouse, and we are thrilled that they have now gained planning permission for the works.

"We are now working hard with the Playhouse to secure the funding to make the improvements, so the Playhouse will be accessible in 2025 – another great City of Culture legacy."

Megan Wilson, director of the Bradford Playhouse, said: "We want to ensure that every member of our community can experience the joy of live theatre.

"This project is about breaking down barriers and making the arts accessible to everyone."

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