Guildhall Theatre reopening takes next step

Work to pave the way for the restoration and reopening of Derby's Guildhall Theatre has been approved.

Permission has been granted for inspection works at the Derby City Council-owned building in preparation for a planned £25m restoration.

The aim of the work is to "access, consolidate and repair the damaged and failing auditorium ceiling" and includes removing seats and putting them into storage.

The venue closed in January 2019 due to safety concerns.

A refurbishment was announced in 2024 to reopen the historic building, which would benefit from £10m of government funding.

It is hoped the venue, which dates back to the 1820s, will reopen for live shows by Christmas 2027.

Restoration plans include a new "front-of-house" experience with an enhanced foyer, as well as a new café and box office opening on to the Market Place.

The auditorium would also be re-modelled to increase the venue's seating capacity to about 280.

Back-of-house facilities would be renovated too in an effort to make the venue more accessible, while a new courtyard also forms part of the plans.

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield said previously the restoration would help the mission "to put culture at the heart of our city".

The project comes after plans were submitted to regenerate the other side of Derby's Market Place at the former Assembly Rooms.

Proposals there include new Grade-A office space, a four-star hotel, a multi-purpose visitor destination and "high-quality" public realm space.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.