Revamp of Victorian theatre 'rapidly progressing'

A £19m revamp of a Victorian theatre and museum is "rapidly progressing", a council said.

Chesterfield Borough Council has released images showing the latest stage of refurbishment work on the town's Grade II listed Stephenson Memorial Hall.

The authority is leading the scheme which will expand the theatre and create a new cafe bar.

Steelwork for an expanded seating circle has been placed in the venue's auditorium around a newly installed stage.

In a post on social media, the council said: "There is still lots to do including re-installing the decorative panelling and creating a new lighting feature using the stunning stained-glass windows.

"At the back of the building the new extension, which provides improved facilities for performers, is almost complete with all the brickwork and roof in place."

The council said a mezzanine level for a new circle bar was also in place and that new museum galleries were progressing well.

Work on the building, home to the Pomegranate Theatre, began in 2023 and is expected to be completed early in 2026.

The funding for the renovation has come from a government £20m levelling up grant to improve the town centre along with a £695,000 Arts Council England Grant.

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