Next stage of theatre's renovation set to start

The Guildhall Theatre has been closed since January 2019

A theatre, which has been closed for seven years, is set to undergo renovation works ahead of its eventual reopening.

The Guildhall Theatre in Derby was undergoing restoration works to its ceiling in 2019 when it was discovered the work would require the building to close, initially for seven months.

Subsequent work found extensive damage caused by water entering the building through its roof and walls.

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield said the authority wanted to ensure a "sympathetic restoration" of the building, while providing a theatre that would be "fit for the future".

The next tranche of works, expected to be the second of five stages, would see the "failed" auditorium ceiling repaired.

In an application to carry out works on the Grade II-listed building, the city council's agent said all of the auditorium's seating would need to be removed and placed into storage.

A total of £24.6m has been earmarked for the overall restoration, £10m of this has been contributed by the government.

The council has previously said it hoped to reopen the theatre in 2027, a year ahead of the building's 200th anniversary.

A report put together in 2020 said several parts of the building had suffered water damage

"Although it's looked quiet on the outside, there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes of the Guildhall to look at the heritage features of the building.

"The restoration will ensure the best use of the space for a variety of uses, including welcoming community-led theatre back to the Guildhall, and complement the renovated Derby Market Hall.

"We are looking forward to sharing initial design ideas for the building in the new year," Peatfield said.