Burnley Mechanics Arts & Entertainment Centre

The Mechanics Institute for many years ‘powerful in the community’ was wound up in 1959 after almost 130 years existence. Purchased by the Council in 1960 it was later let for various activities including bingo. Closed in 1977 by the early 1980s it was derelict. In 1988 it was refurbished and re-opened as a theatre with information bureau and craft workshops.

This is an imposing Italianate style building situated in a central position. The main entrance doors lead to a pub on the left and a coffee bar to the right. The auditorium is a rectangular room with the somewhat mystifying feature of one wall being articulated with Corinthian pilasters. It has removable seating on a flat floor at front and eleven rows of retractable raked seating at the rear. There is no fly tower. An orchestra pit can be created at the loss of front seats.