Town's theatre to shut for more roof repairs

The venue was built in 1885

A County Durham theatre is closing for several months due to its second major roof repair in four years.

The 500-seat Empire Consett, which was built in 1885, will shut on 8 February until the autumn, a spokesperson said.

The works, which will cost about £470,000, will see loft boarding, handrails, new steps and access measures installed into the roof space.

The refurbishment comes just a few years after £500,000 worth of repairs were made to the theatre, including its roof.

These new repairs will ensure that the roof space is safe and accessible, a spokesperson said.

This will allow the theatre to improve the quality of its productions, they added.

“We will be able to use a wider and more up-to-date range of technical equipment, such as lighting,” they said.

The venue’s cafe will also be closed during the works.

'Essential maintenance'

Elizabeth Scott, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Durham County Council, said: “These essential maintenance works to the roof will ensure that the venue can go on to give top quality shows and performances for visitors, in a comfortable and safe venue.”

Major repairs to the theatre's roof were last done in 2020.

Accessibility works to the roof could not be done in these prior repairs due to Covid-19 restrictions and the complicated nature of the repairs, the theatre spokesperson said.