Work has started on the second phase of a development plan that will ensure the historic Grand Theatre really lives up to its name. This time, the focus is on the entrance – and work to restore it to its original splendour is expected to take about 12 weeks.
The ‘Street to Seat’ project aims to improve all aspects of the audience’s experience – from when they enter through the Church Street entrance until they take their seat in the stalls.
Outside, the wrought iron canopy and main entrance doors will be stripped back, repaired and repainted, while inside, the box office will be totally transformed with new counters and serving windows. The foyer itself will be refurbished with the addition of a platform lift to take wheelchairs to the stalls. The lower toilets will also be renovated with new fittings and lighting.
During the building work the Grand Theatre will be open as normal and will continue to offer a full programme of productions.
The work has been made possible with funding from the SITA Trust, The Theatres Trust, and the Friends of the Grand. It has been designed by architectural and planning consultancy, Cassidy and Ashton, project managed by Blackpool Council Leisure and Operational Services and contracted by Blackpool-based F Parkinson Ltd.
Jools Granville of SITA Trust said: “We’re delighted to have been able to offer our maximum grant of £60,000 through the Landfill Communities Fund to enable this project to go ahead. Undoubtedly the remodelling of the foyer will enhance the visitor experience and the installation of a lift will enable disabled visitors to access the stalls without having to go outside, down the street and in the back entrance which is less than ideal.”
Kate Carmichael, resources adviser at the Theatres Trust added: “We’re pleased that we could provide a £4,850 grant from the Theatres Protection Fund Small Grant Scheme and help with restoration of the theatre’s Church Street entrance doors. All of the Grand’s audiences will be able to experience the beauty of a true, and fully accessible, Frank Matcham entrance for years to come!”
Roger Lloyd Jones, chairman of Blackpool Grand Theatre Trust, owners of the building, said: “We are excited to launch this phase of our development work as we start to refurbish our foyer and box office. We are extremely grateful to SITA Trust for their generous financial support, and to the Friends of the Grand and the Theatres Trust.
“Our architects, Cassidy and Ashton, have managed to sensitively incorporate 21st century technology and facilities in their design while remaining true to the spirit of this beautiful Victorian building.”
