Battle goes on to preserve theatre buildings

Four theatres have been lost and there are ten new additions to the ‘Theatre Buildings at Risk’ register since last year, according to The Theatres Trust, the National Advisory Public Body for theatres. A total of 48 theatres are named on the latest list of buildings under threat, but only seven have been saved in the past year, including Margate's grade two listed Theatre Royal, which has plans for a capital redevelopment, and Floral Hall in Hornsea, saved by campaigners who now own the freehold of the building.

The Cochrane Theatre and the Mermaid Theatre in London have been lost since their local authorities have altered the planning uses for the land which will now be redeveloped. Despite efforts from campaigners, the site of the Precinct Theatre in Islington will also be redeveloped, and St Peters Theatre Southsea is also lost. The theatres now most at risk include many grade two listed buildings such as Brighton Hippodrome, Derby Hippodrome and Alexandra Palace Theatre. For the first time this year, each listing has been given a Risk Value providing information about the importance of the building and specific risk factors involved. Mhora Samuel, Director of The Theatres Trust, said: “We are at risk of losing really important and historic theatre buildings as a result of neglect, development and demolition. It's so sad to see theatres treated in this way… Brighton Hippodrome, Plymouth Palace, Hulme Hippodrome and Swansea Palace are beautiful theatres that could be reborn in ways that would enable us to continue to appreciate their full splendour.”

New additions to this year’s register include, the Coronet, Elephant and Castle, London, the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe, and the grade two listed former Theatre Royal in Manchester. Each of these theatres is located on a site earmarked for redevelopment.