Long-awaited improvement works will start at the Watford Pump House in August.
Although the iconic venue has not yet reached its fundraising target to be able to kick off the major work to rebuild the theatre with a new roof, some essential improvements will be taking place over the summer.
The facilities behind the back wall of the theatre will be knocked down so that three prefabricated units can be installed to replace the backstage dressing rooms, toilet and workshop. This will create much improved facilities for performers and make the stage fully accessible to all as they will all now be on the same level.
This means the theatre will be closed from mid-August until the end of October. However, the rest of the venue – the Colne River Room, Charles Room, Cafe and Upper Rehearsal Rooms – will remain open for use throughout this time.
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 the arts facility has reached the point where it needs some major refurbishment work to remain functioning.
While these initial improvement works take place, fundraising efforts will continue to plug the shortfall needed to be able to replace the venue’s failing roof. Due to current building regulations the only way to do this is to rebuild the theatre section with new foundations, new steelwork and some new wall sections.
A few years ago, the Raise the Roof Appeal was launched which successfully secured £850,000 for the project. But it was revealed in June that a further £450,000 is urgently needed to meet the rising construction costs. Off the back of this recent campaign a further £50,000 has been raised but this means it is still £400,000 short of the amount needed.
Chairman of the Pump House Lee Farman said: “Given the rise in costs we have had to break the original plan into phases. So, we’re pleased to announce that some of the long-awaited improvements to the venue will be getting underway this summer. The new dressing rooms, toilets and workshop will make the backstage of our theatre more comfortable for performers while making it easier for all to access the stage.
“But the fundraising campaign continues and as part of this, along with our efforts to secure funds, we ask for people’s ongoing support to help us fulfil our ambition to upgrade this much-loved arts space and secure its future for the community for the next 50 years.”
To make a donation just visit the Pump House website at: https://pumphouse.info/donate/
