A huge step forward has been taken to bring a Wigan town centre theatre back to life
Efforts to restore an historic Wigan town centre theatre have made significant progress, marking a notable step in its revival.
Plans to bring Wigan's historic Royal Court Theatre back into use have taken a major step forward following the approval of new investment.
The Grade II listed theatre on King Street will benefit from additional funding secured through the Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant (EDRFG) to transform the building into a temporary performance and community venue while longer-term restoration plans continue to be developed.
More than £1.1m has already been ploughed into safeguarding the theatre's future.
This first phase of work has focused on stabilising the building, making it weather-tight and tackling significant issues including dry rot and asbestos, protecting the landmark from further deterioration.
The rebirth of the building had been in the hands of the Old Courts arts hub, but last year, because of long-running financial difficulties due to botched contractor work, it was forced to hand over responsibility to the local authority.
The latest funding will allow the theatre to begin welcoming people back into the building for the first time in decades.
Plans include the creation of a temporary 250-seat performance space and a programme of pilot productions, events and cultural activities that will test the building's potential as a future home for arts, culture and community activity.
Coun Dane Anderton, cabinet portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration at Wigan Council, said: "The Royal Court Theatre is one of Wigan's most recognisable heritage assets and we're delighted to have secured further funding to continue its revival.
"The £1.1m already invested has helped secure the building's future by carrying out vital protection and restoration works.
“This latest funding allows us to take the next step by opening the building for community and cultural use, helping us understand how it can once again become a vibrant destination for residents and visitors.
"We're under no illusions about the challenges involved in bringing historic buildings like the Royal Court back into use, but we're committed to exploring every opportunity and funding option available.
"Importantly, this is about much more than one building. The Royal Court Theatre has a significant role to play in the future of King Street and the wider town centre.
"Building on the legacy of the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, we're developing an ambitious vision for the area that brings together heritage, culture, creativity and regeneration, while strengthening links with the emerging Station Gateway project and creating a distinctive destination for the future."
The announcement is the latest milestone in the ongoing transformation of King Street, building on the success of the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme and supporting the area's growing role as a destination for heritage, culture and evening economy activity.
Looking ahead, the Royal Court Theatre is expected to play a central role in a wider vision for King Street and the emerging Station Gateway area, strengthening connections between the town centre, Wigan North Western, Wigan Wallgate and major regeneration projects across Wigan.
Some proposed King Street improvements have stalled because property owners have been waiting to see other improvements made there first, rather than taking the first leap themselves.
The ambition is to create a vibrant gateway into the town that celebrates heritage while supporting future growth, investment and cultural activity.