New lease of life proposed for Matlock Bath Pavilion

15th June 2010

The Matlock Bath Pavilion Group is currently putting together detailed plans for the venue, which it is to present to owner Derbyshire Dales District Council in August. If the plans are approved, the site will become a multi-arts space including a 400-seat theatre using the original proscenium arch stage. The theatre would stage a mixture of local and touring theatre groups.

The group states that it believes it will eventually fund itself but that it will apply to grant-giving bodies, including Arts Council England, for financial support for repair and start-up costs.

Matlock Bath Pavilion Group chairman Gregor Macgregor called it “one of the two remaining iconic buildings in Matlock Bath”.

He added: “Our hope would be to have a multi-use space, which is not just doing theatre but music, exhibitions, table-top sales, something that local people can take advantage of but also all the many visitors to Matlock Bath can come and visit during the day-time and something that would attract people to stay longer in Matlock Bath rather than passing through briefly as many people do.”

The listing for Matlock Bath Pavilion on heritage body The Theatres Trust website comments: “With all its present weaknesses and low-key uses, it is the only venue for live entertainment within a wide area and could fulfil a genuine need.”

More information is available at www.savethepavilion.co.uk

Source: The Stage Matlock Bath Pavilion BBC News “Save the Pavilion website