By KLTV Newsdesk –

Investment to enhance facilities while preserving historic venue

A leading Huddersfield arts venue is set for a significant transformation after securing £630,000 in funding to upgrade its facilities and future-proof its operations.

Lawrence Batley Theatre will be awarded the funding through Arts Council England’s Arts Everywhere Fund, part of a wider £1.5 billion national investment in cultural infrastructure.

Major upgrades planned across key areas

The refurbishment will focus on improving the theatre’s foyer and bar, alongside the creation of additional performance, rehearsal and community spaces.

Funding will also support upgrades to essential equipment and measures to improve environmental sustainability.

As the only professional theatre facility in Kirklees, the investment is expected to safeguard access to live performances for local communities.

Importantly, the theatre’s programme of live events will continue uninterrupted throughout the refurbishment.

Building on previous success

The latest funding builds on a strong track record of investment at the venue.

In 2019, the theatre received £499,999 to refurbish its main auditorium, upgrade lighting systems and create an accessible changing room.

This new phase of development aims to secure the long-term future of the Grade II* listed building, which has stood for more than 200 years.

Leadership welcomes “crucial” support

Olivia Race, interim Chief Executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre, said: “We are grateful to Arts Council England for their continued investment in our world-class theatre facility.

“I am proud to lead our organisation through this exciting period of improvements to our 200-year-old Grade II* listed building.

“This funding comes at a crucial time in helping to secure the long-term future of the theatre, and we are delighted to have Arts Council England’s backing as we continue to bring a high-quality cultural offer to the people of Huddersfield and Kirklees.

“This investment will help us to maintain our historic identity as a valuable asset for the community, while making the theatre an even more welcoming and inclusive space for everyone who walks through our doors.

“From families attending their first show to local people taking part in our community productions, this building holds so many shared experiences.

“These improvements will allow us to create even more opportunities for people to connect, create and feel a sense of belonging here.”

National funding to support cultural venues

The Arts Everywhere Fund forms part of a wider government commitment of up to £1.5 billion for the cultural sector during this Parliament, with the aim of supporting more than 1,000 arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage sites across England.

Rebecca Ball, Area Director, North, Arts Council England, said: “Our museums, libraries and arts organisations have the power to change lives, they give us access to new worlds, teach us about our heritage and give us new perspectives on life.

“I’m so pleased that we’ll be supporting so many of our cultural organisations in the North with this capital investment, which will ensure that they can continue to deliver incredible arts and culture to their communities.”

Harpreet Uppal, MP for Huddersfield, has also welcomed the investment, adding: “I am delighted that the Lawrence Batley Theatre has received funding from the Government’s Creative Foundation Fund.

“Lawrence Batley Theatre is an incredible cultural and economic asset to Huddersfield, and I have many happy memories of visits to the theatre over the years.

“I am excited to see what they do with this money to keep our fantastic local theatre thriving!”