The new box office at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax is now open, as extensive improvement works and upgraded facilities at the venue reach the final stages.
Funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund is being used to update and enhance the Grade II listed building, improving the experience for those visiting and ensuring that more people can enjoy all that the theatre has to offer.
Construction work is now complete and the first new space to fully open is the box office which has been relocated to Commercial Street, Halifax. The facility is now open and offering an in-person and telephone service for customers. Throughout December the box office will be open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm. On performance days it will also be open from 4pm until 15 minutes after curtain-up.
Other significant improvements include the creation of a new café/bar, four new lifts improving access for both customers and performers, and two new accessible toilets. The theatre’s Stalls Bar has also had a complete makeover, with new flooring, lighting, bar and a re-paint, making this a welcoming space for visitors and bringing it up to the standard of the new areas.
The historic theatre has also benefitted from new glazing and other exterior work to ensure the building is safe and welcoming for future generations.
The finishing touches are being carried out to these additional new facilities to get them ready to be used. This includes final decoration works; the installation of new equipment, including a barista coffee machine for the café/bar; and digital improvements, including better Wi-Fi provision. The full opening of all the new facilities, including the passenger lifts, is planned for early 2025.
The impressive Victoria Theatre opened in 1901 and the preservation of the building’s heritage has been key throughout the construction work. Original features, such as stone columns in what will be the new café/bar have been exposed and highlighted, with the decoration better reflecting the original colour palette.
Bespoke joinery work has also taken place to complement existing features, such as the historic foyer doors. New flooring and lighting as part of ground floor improvements have further enhanced the look of the venue.
Ahead of the full opening in early 2025, shows at the theatre are taking place as normal. This includes this year’s pantomime, Peter Pan, which opened on Saturday 14 December. For more information about what’s on, including how to buy tickets and the new box office opening times, visit www.victoriatheatre.co.uk(external link)
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“The completion of construction works is a real milestone in the transformation of the Victoria Theatre. The work has involved major structural changes, such as forming new openings in the foyer for new facilities, and the installation of new lifts to improve access.
“Restoring and improving an historic building will always have its challenges, but I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make such significant improvements, whilst respecting the heritage and character of the building.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said:
“It’s great news that in-person box office facilities have now reopened at the Victoria Theatre. As we enter the venue’s busy panto season, I know that visitors will value having our friendly team on site to help with any booking queries.
“The reopening of the box office is the first time that people will be able to see how the completion of construction work at the theatre is set to transform future visits. The team at the theatre are now busy getting the other new facilities and access improvements ready for use, with the finishing touches taking place to enable the full reopening early next year.
“This is an exciting chapter in the long history of the impressive cultural venue, with improvements ensuring more people can access and enjoy the theatre. As we enter the final months of our Year of Culture, this investment will support the CultureDale legacy, enabling more people to actively participate, contribute, and revel in cultural experiences.”
The contractor for the project is Morris & Spottiswood. Public Sector Director at the construction company, Matthew Wall, said:
“Whilst this was a challenging project, our team were delighted to be part of the journey to breathe life into this beautiful and historic theatre, which plays a key role in both the high street and local community. “The successful outcome of this project was a direct result of true partnership working and collaboration between Calderdale Council and the Morris & Spottiswood Team.”
The Year of Culture (CultureDale(external link)) is a 12-month celebration of Calderdale turning 50 on 1 April 2024 – a landmark moment in the borough’s story – and marks the ultimate year for the Vision 2024 for Calderdale(external link).
The significant work at the Victoria Theatre is part of an £11.7million package of Future High Streets funding being used to deliver ambitious regeneration work in Halifax town centre.
For more information about the Halifax Future High Streets Fund works, including work at the Victoria Theatre, visit Halifax Future High Streets | Calderdale Next Chapter(external link).