Sheffield Montgomery Theatre restoration nears completion

The Montgomery hosts community and professional theatre and productions for young people, schools and families

A major renovation to transform a Victorian theatre in Sheffield into a leading arts centre for children and young people is nearing completion.

Specialist building work has been under way at The Montgomery Theatre to preserve its original features while bringing it up to modern day standards.

The venue, which opened in 1886, survived the Sheffield Blitz in World War Two and a major fire in 1971.

Theatre director Sarah Sharp said it held special memories for many people.

More than £1m has been raised towards the restoration work, with those behind the scheme saying the main aim was to make it more accessible for everyone.

All sorts of performances and performers have taken to the stage since the Montgomery first opened

Many amateur dramatic groups have hosted productions at the theatre over the years

Ms Sharp said: "We aim to be a children and young people's art centre for all young people, but obviously until now we've not had disabled access."

As well as improved accessibility, the theatre, which is expected to reopen in the spring, will be kitted out with new seats and a new heating system.

However, Ms Sharp said keeping the old theatre rather than building a new one was important.

"There's so much history in this building," she said.

"Whenever I meet someone, lots of the time they say, 'oh, I danced on that stage when I was five'.

"The building holds a living memory of all the people who have been involved in productions here for many, many years.

"To scrap it and build a new one, would lose that significance."

The work at the Montgomery is expected to be completed by spring

Andrew Phillips, managing director from T&C Williams Builders, which has carried out the restoration, said the project had been "very challenging".

"We've found all sorts of artefacts hidden, bits of timber work that were supporting structures that we didn't know existed. But we're trying to overcome them as best we can," he said.

Mr Phillips said it was exciting to see the building coming back to life, adding: "We're all invested in looking at the story from the beginning and seeing it through to the end and handing it back to the community of Sheffield."