Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre can benefit from being added to the Theatres at Risk Register
Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre can benefit from being added to the Theatres at Risk Register
Theatres Trust, the charity that campaigns to protect the UK’s theatres, has published its annual Theatres at Risk Register, which highlights theatres across the UK under threat of closure, redevelopment or severe decay, but which all have the potential to be revived for their local communities with the right support. This year’s list comprises 43 buildings, which all have strong architectural merit, cultural heritage or value to the local community as a performance venue.
Theatres Trust has added five more theatres to the list, all local authority owned, mid to small scale venues located outside of major cities, with Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre as one of the latest additions to the list.
Image: Councillors Kimberley Whitehead and Kate Walsh outside Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts said:
“We view the inclusion of Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre on the Theatres at Risk Register as a positive step towards securing its future. We met with the Theatres Trust last year, recognising that we needed some expert advice and support in taking on the challenge we have with the building and to reaffirm our commitment to saving the Civic.”
The theatre, which closed suddenly in 2023 following the liquidation of Hyndburn Arts Limited, has been a cherished community facility for many years. Initial health and safety and condition surveys conducted in 2024 revealed the need for significant investment to address necessary repairs and upgrades, including new lighting and heating systems.
Councillor Whitehead added:
“At the beginning of the year Hyndburn Council agreed unanimously to look at restoring and reopening the Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre. Importantly this has cross party and local support from the newly formed Civic Group.
The Council has already spent significant sums on initial surveys and essential health and safety work, with more allocated for repairs, maintenance, energy, and security. We are currently seeking clarity on the full scope and cost of the required works to bring the building up to modern standards.
There is passionate local support for the theatre’s reopening, and we share the community’s desire to see it once again host theatre, arts and cultural events.
Being placed on the Theatres at Risk Register will provide us with additional support and resources to help restore this valued venue. Since the register’s inception in 2006, over 80 theatres have been successfully revived or replaced, and we will do all we can to add Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre to this list of success stories.”
Councillor Kate Walsh, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families said:
“The building has been at the heart of the community for over 150 years and the Council, Councillors and the local community want it to see it restored and reopened.
I have fond memories of watching many shows, and also performing at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre as a child. My children’s first theatre experience was here in Oswaldtwistle. We still often visit the theatre, but now like many, we must travel outside of the area to do so. We want to bring back this cultural experience to make it accessible to all the residents of Hyndburn.
We welcome the announcement and the opportunities that being on the register will bring to our campaign. Being on the register puts a spotlight on the campaign not just locally, but nationally and we look forward to the Civic having a sustainable future which will once again benefit the community.”