Successful Community Ownership Fund bids

Two theatres supported by Theatres Trust have been successful in their applications to the government scheme.

Groundlings Theatre Trust and Selsey Pavilion Trust have both been successful in their applications to the government’s Community Ownership Fund.

Groundlings Theatre in Portsmouth has been on our Theatres at Risk Register since 2020 due to the building suffering problems with maintenance and repair of its historic fabric. The Groundlings Theatre Trust took over the operation of the theatre in April 2020, leasing it from the current owner. The short-term lease makes it ineligible for the funding needed to carry out the essential repair work.

Theatres Trust, along with Portsmouth City Council and Historic England, has given advice and supported the Community Ownership application. With this grant in place, we hope that Groundlings Theatre Trust can purchase the building and unlock the funding required to secure the building’s future.

Selsey Pavilion in West Sussex is a rare example of a pre-Great War ciné-performance building. Selsey Pavilion Trust has plans to restore the building as a community theatre, cinema and live entertainment venue, taking a phased approach. The successful Community Ownership bid will enable the group to purchase the building from its current owner. Theatres Trust has supported the bid and has been helping Selsey Pavilion Trust on its journey to this point.

Expressions of interest are open for the next round and Theatres Trust is happy to provide advice and support to any community groups looking to purchase their local theatre buildings. 

Photo credit: Selsey Pavilion in 2010, Theatres Trust