Refurb brings ‘new life’ to historic venue

A historic Derbyshire cultural venue has undergone a multi-million-pound transformation ahead of reopening later this year.

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has handed Chesterfield’s Grade II-listed Stephenson Memorial Hall back to Chesterfield Borough Council following an extensive refurbishment that began in December 2023.

The Corporation Street venue will reopen as 1435, featuring a 625-seat theatre, an expanded museum capable of hosting touring exhibitions, two bars and flexible spaces for events and community activities.

Work has included a new internal layout, rewiring, heating and ventilation upgrades, roof and structural improvements and three new lifts providing access across every floor.

The auditorium has also been transformed with a redesigned circle, new entrances and access points, a new control room and improvements to the floor.

A new Link Gallery will provide space for events, school visits and community activities, while an extension on Station Back Lane includes new dressing rooms and backstage facilities.

The refurbishment has been carried out with the building’s Grade II-listed status in mind, retaining and restoring heritage features while improving accessibility and visitor facilities.

Its new 1435 identity references railway pioneer George Stephenson and the 1435mm standard gauge railway track.

Andy Sewards, chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to have played a key role in the transformation of Stephenson Memorial Hall into 1435, helping to bring new life to one of Chesterfield’s most important historic buildings. 

“This has been a complex and rewarding project, carefully balancing the preservation of the building’s heritage with the delivery of modern, high-quality facilities that will serve the community for generations to come.

“Working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and the wider project team, we are delighted to see the completed venue ready to support arts, culture and community activity in the town centre. 

“1435 is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership and a commitment to creating a vibrant, accessible and future-ready destination for Chesterfield.”

The project forms part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s wider town centre regeneration plans.

It has been supported by £11 million from the council’s £20 million Levelling Up Fund award, £1 million from the East Midlands Combined County Authority and more than £600,000 from Arts Council England, alongside additional council investment.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “We cannot wait to welcome residents and visitors into 1435 later this year. 

“The completion of building works is a major step towards reopening and allows us to start preparing the venue ready for visitors to experience it later this year.

“The transformation of this building will help ensure that future generations can experience heritage and culture in an incredible setting, but we’ve worked closely with G F Tomlinson, Bauman Lyons architects and our wider project team to ensure that there will still be lots of features that our regular visitors know and love.”

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