Extension and major upgrade planned for Theatre Royal Wakefield

Documents submitted to Wakefield Council said improvements to the 132-year-old building would secure the long-term future of the venue as a “vital heritage and cultural asset.”

Wakefield Theatre Trust’s proposals include adding a new second floor extension to the west wing along Drury Lane to provide new back-of-house facilities, an accessible entrance lift and stairs.

Other plans include the partial demolition of some internal walls to make way for facilities including a new bar, dressing room, studio and toilets.

Planned upgrades of the auditorium include installing new lighting, improving seating in the stalls and dress circle and increasing capacity from 493 to 510.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the trust by AOC Architecture said: “There is a backlog of repair and conservation works that need to be undertaken if the venue is to continue to succeed.

“These works are necessary to create improvements such as level access, adequate services, improved WCs, a café and facilities to allow income generation and a future for the listed building.”

The report added: “The Wakefield Theatre Trust wish to safeguard the architectural and historic significance of the theatre whilst improving accessibility to meet 21st-century audience and creative team expectations, enabling broader participation in the cultural life of the district.”

Built in 1894 as the Wakefield Opera House, the Grade II*-listed building was designed by renown architect Frank Matcham and is his smallest surviving theatre.

It was constructed on the site of an earlier theatre dating from 1776 which was demolished.

The theatre closed in 1954 and became a picture house before becoming a bingo hall run by Ladbrokes.

It was purchased from Ladbrokes in 1981 and reopened as a theatre in 1986.

Trust chief executive Katie Town said: “Theatre Royal Wakefield stands as the only professional theatre building in the Wakefield district and remains a vital heritage and cultural asset at the heart of the city centre.

“Our mission is to develop new creative opportunities and experiences in our theatre building, encouraging high quality engagement in the performing arts.

“Safeguarding the architectural and historic significance of the theatre is central to this project.”

Ms Town said the work would also deliver a “positive environmental impact ” by reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

She said: “Through this project, we aim to secure the Theatre Royal Wakefield’s continued use as a working professional theatre – one that honours its past while confidently meeting the needs of present and future generations.

“The redesign must celebrate the building’s heritage, enhance its function and ensure its sustainability so it can serve as one of Wakefield’s cultural cornerstones for many years to come.”

The report said the application had been submitted following “extensive” consultation with the council and Historic England.

A public consultation event in September, which allowed visitors to tour the building and review the proposals, was attended by around 100 people.