Proposals submitted to restore Guildhall Theatre

Proposals have been submitted to restore the Guildhall Theatre in Derby.

The 19th century venue in the city's Market Place was closed in 2019 due to safety concerns over the condition of parts of the building. Derby City Council announced £25m restoration plans in 2024.

On Friday, two applications to renovate the Grade II-listed site were submitted to planning officials at local authority, which owns the building, in what the council called a "significant milestone".

The refurbishment is due to start in late 2026, subject to planning permission, with the opening date to be announced as the project progresses, the council said.

Restoration plans were previously announced after the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government allocated £10m towards the project.

The city council - which contributed to the remainder of the costs - had hoped to reopen the venue by Christmas 2027 but later said a delay in the signing off of the funding agreement pushed back the opening date, with no new timeframe estimated.

In January, the council approved for inspection works to be carried out in preparation of the planned restoration.

The council said work had been "taking place behind the scenes" including surveys which were being carried out to determine the work required to preserve the ceiling in the venue.

Scaffolding has also been erected inside and outside the building.

The plans submitted on Friday detail proposals to modernise the building, while preserving its heritage features, the council said.

Alongside a full refurbishment of the building, the plans include a new café area, new flexible seating for the auditorium and improved access and toilet provision.

Leader of the city council, Nadine Peatfield said: "Our vision is to see the community back at the Guildhall to enjoy live performances and events, working with arts and cultural groups across the city.

"The £10 million of government funding that we've received towards this project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore this much-loved building for future generations", she added.

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