Member Article

Darlington Civic Theatre awaits £5m funding decision to enact major restoration plans

Plans have been drawn up for Darlington Civic Theatre to undergo a major restoration, with Space Architects set to lead on the design project..

The proposals (over 45,000sq ft in area) bring together the refurbished and extended Darlington Civic Theatre with a new theatre facility for Theatre Hullabaloo, a young people’s theatre company, in a new cultural quarter bounded by Parkgate and Borough Road.

The theatre, Built in 1907, remains one of just a handful of operational Edwardian theatres in the UK and is waiting to hear if its bid for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £5m has been successful. If successful, the theatre will also receive additional support from Darlington Borough Council.

The Hullaballoon Theatre is being developed with Arts Council England funding, to help its cultural vision be realised.

Altogether, the scheme encompasses facilities such as cafes, a gallery, and state-of-the-art education and learning suites and is due for completion in 2017.

Space Architects has worked with key local stakeholders from the outset, hosting a series of engagement sessions, consultation days and interactive workshops to ensure the design of both theatres are representative of the needs of their key audiences.

David Coundon, Architectural Director of Space Architects, said: “The challenge for us as architects lies in restoring Darlington’s iconic theatre to its original character but with a modern, sympathetic twist.

“Over the years it has been modified, although not always in keeping with its traditional design, so we are working with the past to open up the historic elements of the theatre for people to enjoy, restoring it to its former glory.

“The original Edwardian footprint of the site means the listed building is squeezed for space, and key to the scheme is the creation of new public spaces, back of house and technical facilities in order that the original internal auditorium, circulation spaces and impressive facades can be fully restored.”

Lynda Winstanley, director of Darlington Civic Theatre, said: “The overall outcome is to have a space which is accessible to people and one they can be a part of. Theatre is about ownership for the local community and it’s about people feeling they have a connection to it.

“Through this exciting restoration project, we hope to encourage people to share their experiences whilst opening up the historic elements of the theatre for people to enjoy.

“Space Architects has taken great care to listen to us at every stage to date, ensuring all key stakeholders were on board with their plans from the beginning.

“Their enthusiasm and sensitivity in their approach to the restoration project fills us with every confidence that Darlington Civic Theatre will be seen as a ‘beacon’ of cultural excellence amongst the local community and further afield.”