Derby Theatre expansion plan

How a new expanded Derby Theatre could look facing Traffic Street. Image by Bennetts Associates/University of Derby.

The multi-million-pound expansion of Derby Theatre has been given the go-ahead by planning chiefs.

It means a new studio theatre will be built in a newly constructed three-storey building – providing an extension at the back of the city centre building.

The new building will also comprise a rehearsal room for use as a teaching, performance and events space, as well as additional dressing rooms, office space and stage door.

This will be in addition to the theatre’s main auditorium which has a capacity of 531 seats.

The plans, which received Government funding of £10 million a few years ago, aim to expand Derby Theatre’s performance, education and community functions by providing new flexible learning and performance spaces.

Bosses of Derby Theatre say the expansion “will strengthen engagement with local communities and support emerging artists, ensuring the theatre
continues to play a vital role in the cultural life of Derby”.

Derby Theatre – now owned by the University of Derby – opened as Derby Playhouse in 1975, designed by the renowned theatre architect Roderick Ham.

The new studio theatre would seat approximately 100 to 150 spectators and would be accompanied by a rehearsal room, also for use as a teaching, performance, and events space, as well as dressing rooms and offices.

Expansion plans at the Traffic Street/Theatre Walk venue were submitted to Derby City Council in May but have been in the public domain for a number of years.

Sarah Brigham, chief executive and artistic director at Derby Theatre said: “We are delighted that planning permission has been approved for a new building to the rear of Derby Theatre. This is an exciting step forward that will transform what we can offer audiences, artists, learners and participants.

“Following a hugely successful year of popular produced shows, we know there is a real appetite for work made in Derby. These new spaces will give us even greater opportunities to develop, create and share that work;  putting Derby artists and stories centre stage and enabling us to welcome even more people into the theatre.”

A Derby City Council decision notice reads: “In dealing with this application the City Council has worked with the applicant / agent in a positive and proactive manner and has secured appropriate and proportionate improvements to the scheme which relate to highways and design.”

Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Derby and chair of Derby Theatre Board of Trustees, said: “These plans come at an exciting time for both the city and the Theatre as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. This development represents another important contribution from the University of Derby to the city, following the opening of our award-winning Cavendish Building, and reflects our continued commitment to Derby’s cultural and civic life.

“We look forward to working closely with our partners to bring these plans forward and ensure that Derby Theatre continues to thrive for many years to come.”