After months of work on the business proposal to create a new accessible arts hub in the heart of Glossop, and an agreement from NatWest to sell the former bank building to Partington Theatre, the Board of Trustees have taken the decision to close down the proposed Expansion Project.

The Board said, “After careful consideration, the Trustees of Partington Theatre have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the purchase of the former NatWest Bank building.

A financially viable deal was simply not available.

Ultimately we believe we would need in excess of £4m before we could start the process of a big rebuild. 

We are not convinced the £4m+ would be forthcoming and in the intervening period the costs of running the two buildings independently could have caused us to go into administration and potentially lose our much loved theatre.

We would like to thank everyone that supported the vision and we still have some great plans for our existing theatre.”

An initial bridging loan had been arranged with a finance company, negotiations were ongoing with local business partners who could provide short and long term lease income, and large-scale fundraising in the form of grant applications would have begun as soon as contracts were signed, however the Board did not see this as viable. An alternative deal was offered by an interested private party, but the Board also declined this proposal. Discussions with professional consultants including commercial business developers, an architect, and a project manager predicted this would have been a long term project, potentially 5-6 years to completion in stages, with plenty of time to fundraise for the projected costs of around £2-3m.

Partington Theatre’s management team saw the expansion project as a way to enable more members of the public to engage with the arts through various new programs and events, and allow for more opportunities to experience the performing arts throughout the year.

Amy Skogen, one half of the Theatre Administration team, said, “We are extremely saddened by this decision. A key component to the expansion plans was the ability to provide physical access support to all areas of the building, so that anyone with mobility issues would be able to participate and have access to our plays, films, events, and other social and community activities. It’s a shame to have missed such an opportunity.”

Zoë Bowers, the other half of the Theatre Administration team, added, “We believe in the strength of our local artists and creators, and feel this project would have brought together the wealth of area talent in an arts hub for the greater benefit of the community. And in working with other area partners including the Town Hall and Victoria Arts Centre, this new space would have raised the profile of all arts in Glossop, creating a much needed resource.”

All funds raised through the online GoFundMe campaign will be ring fenced for accessibility projects at Partington Theatre. While we cannot currently change the staircases or improve the toilet facilities, the theatre management will not rest until we can do so.  In the meantime we are looking to provide new technologies that assist those in our community with visual or hearing impairments. If anyone wishes to retract their donation to the project please contact management via info@partingtontheatre.org.uk.