Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre receives support from Theatres Trust
Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre receives support from Theatres Trust
A grant of £10,000 has been awarded to Hyndburn Borough Council to cover roof survey work at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre.
Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre is a key cultural and community venue with a long- standing history of providing entertainment and arts engagement for residents of the Borough. Recently, the theatre has been added to Theatres Trust’s Theatres at Risk Register due to concerns over its deteriorating condition, particularly structural issues related to the roof.
Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre is one of 10 theatres to receive funding through the third round of the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities grants programme, run by Theatres Trust, the national advisory body for theatres. The programme aims to help progress the restoration, reopening or revitalising “At Risk” theatres by funding expert support.
A Hyndburn Borough Council Spokesperson said:
“We are delighted to welcome this grant from the Theatres Trust. The Council has already committed over £500,000 in its capital programme to bring the theatre back into use. However, we recognise the need for further investment and will continue to explore opportunities for additional funding.
The funding from the Theatres Trust will enable us to appoint specialist contractors to carry out surveys to assess the condition of the theatre’s roof and identify any urgent repair works required. This support is crucial as we continue to address various issues within the building.
Recently, significant work was completed to address a dry rot issue in the building. During a property visit, officers suspected dry rot, which was confirmed by a specialist contractor in December. The dry rot was found throughout the skirting boards, architrave, door casing, and cupboard areas. This aggressive fungal growth required extensive treatment, including the removal of affected timbers and treatment of the masonry with an anti-fungicide product to prevent further outbreaks.
Additionally, last week the Council’s Cabinet agreed to establish an Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre Working Group.”
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust says:
“All the theatres on our Theatres at Risk Register are special buildings that have real potential to bring joy and opportunities to their communities. Theatres Trust is delighted to support Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre with this project that will help it move a step closer to its ultimate goal.”
The other theatres to receive funding in this round are Amulet Theatre in Shepton Mallet, Derby Hippodrome, Doncaster Grand, Margate Theatre Royal, Mechanic’s Institute in Swindon, Morecambe Winter Gardens, Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock, Salford Victoria Theatre and Theatre Ardudwy in Harlech. The theatres are all on the Theatres at Risk Register 2025, published by Theatres Trust in January, which highlights and supports theatres across the country that are at risk of closure or demolition, and which have architectural and community merit.
Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust and Swire Charitable Trust.