The Cheltenham Playhouse - one of Cheltenham’s most celebrated historic venues - has now been given the green light to undergo a multi-million-pound redevelopment, with the intention of transforming it into a cutting-edge hub for performing arts communities.

The board of trustees for the renowned theatre recently secured planning permission to modernize the Grade II listed building and performance spaces in 2020, which will also mark the 75th anniversary for its rebirth as an iconic theater.

A range of new upgrades will be brought to the theatre, including a double-height atrium to expand upon the unique character of the venue, whilst providing a place to enjoy coffee and lunch before stunning displays of heritage and rich history. The auditorium however will remain untouched.

Chair of the Trustees, Malcom Ball, said: “We are thrilled to have secured planning permission to bring Cheltenham Playhouse into the 21st Century and ensure it can be enjoyed and accessed by everyone for many more years to come

“While these plans have been in the pipeline for the past two years, now we have been given the go ahead and estimated our fund raising target of £4million, we have set to work on applying for grants and funding, both locally and nationally, to bring out vision to life.”

Other upgrades include more flexible, affordable spaces for hire - for everything ranging from workshops, events and meetings, to rehearsals and small-scale theatre productions.

Additionally, the redevelopment will further improve accessibility and visitor experience, due to the installation of much anticipated lift access and the relocating of the public entrance and box office.

Although it may be surprising, the much-loved Cheltenham Playhouse has not always been a theatre but begun its life as a spa in the early 1800s, before evolving into the theatre it’s known for today in 1945.

In more recent years, Cheltenham Playhouse has played host to performances ranging across live music, poetry, comedy, dance, improv, burlesque and film, making these planned modernizations a necessity for securing its current relevance for future generations.

The board of trustees now have 5 years to complete the works, after being granted planning permission by the Cheltenham Borough Council.

The Cheltenham Borough Council, who own the building, have recently agreed to a new 25-year lease, which will help secure a bright future for the theatre.

Malcolm continued: “As the redevelopment is for the benefit of the community, we look forward to working with our own to develop unique ways to raise funds, as only communities know how. Whether it be through sponsored events or online donation schemes, all ideas are welcome!

“The new and improved Cheltenham Playhouse will be a welcome addition to the vibrant Bath Road area, and we will announce our next steps and capital development fundraising strategy in due course.”

The board have been working with specialist heritage architects, Poole Philips, as well as renowned archaeologists, to ensure that the plans are remaining sensitive to the range of historic developments going back across more than 200 years.

Once complete, Cheltenham Playhouse will be a hive of history and creativity for patrons, performers and businesses, whether looking for a unique and flexible space for the future or inspiration from the past.

If you’d like to work with the board of trustees to help fundraise for Project Playhouse, the redevelopment of Cheltenham Playhouse – to volunteer your time, ideas or pledges – please email Malcom Ball, Chair of Trustees, at Malcom.ball@cheltplayhouse.org.uk.