Blackpool theatre requires £500k for repairs

Blackpool Grand Theatre is in need of nearly £500,000 worth of repairs following rainwater damage.

Plans for renovation work to the dome of the Grade II listed theatre building have been submitted by the Grand Theatre Trust, which owns the venue, to Blackpool Council for approval.

The proposals suggest bidding for Arts Council England funding in the autumn and if successful, undertaking renovation works next spring without impacting the theatre’s programme.

A spokesperson for the theatre told the BBC the Blackpool Grand is “bearing up well considering its age” at now 130 years old.

“A building condition survey was commissioned by the Blackpool Grand Theatre Trust earlier this year and found some issues with rainwater leaking in, with the potential to damage the roof timbers and decorative plasterwork of the auditorium ceiling.”