The Watford Pump House urgently needs to raise £450,000 before the end of June to be able to start its long planned essential improvement works.
The Pump House was created by converting an old Victorian building into a theatre more than 50 years ago. And like many very old buildings this iconic facility has reached the point where it needs some major refurbishment work to secure its future for the community for the next 50 years.
A few years ago the venue launched the Raise the Roof campaign which has successfully raised £850,000 so far to make essential building improvements including a new roof, additional seats, bigger dressing rooms, new studio/rehearsal space and improved facilities for those with accessibility needs.
Phase one of this project is to replace the failing theatre roof. Due to current building regulations the only way to do this is to rebuild the theatre section with new foundations, new steelwork and a new wall.
Building work was all set to start this summer but in the intervening time, in part due to rapidly increasing construction costs, an additional £450,000 needs to be raised before the end of June to undertake phase one of the project. Further delays to starting in the current world economic climate risk the costs going up further.
Chairman of the Pump House Lee Farman said: “We’re asking everyone who knows and loves the Pump House if they can make a contribution. We know this is a big ask and we don’t make it lightly, especially as we know so many people have already made a donation. But we wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t an emergency.
“No matter what the twist and turns we encounter in the coming months and years, this money will continue to be dedicated to the plans for the essential repairs and improvements to the Pump House Theatre.”
The Pump House, which is a charity, is grateful for any amount people are able to give. But for those able to donate £1,000 or more it is offering a premium ‘Brick’ in its ‘Sponsor A Brick’ scheme which will give donors prominent recognition in the new development.
To make a donation just visit the Pump House website at: https://pumphouse.info/donate/
