Storyhouse

Looking back at how Theatres Trust's support helped shape the future of a new arts centre. 

Approving the closure of an existing theatre is a difficult decision but the right one when there is the opportunity to create something better in the long term. In our role as a statutory consultee in the planning system for theatres, we were consulted about the decision to close and demolish the Gateway Theatre and create a new venue for Chester in a converted 1930s Odeon Cinema – what was to become the Storyhouse.

Our expert and impartial advice ensured that the new venue had the optimal facilities that would be expected of a modern arts centre, while restoring the heritage elements of the old cinema. With our advice taken on board, we were happy to commend the project for funding to Arts Council England’ Capital Programme, as well as fully supporting the planning application.

Storyhouse opened in 2017 successfully combining the old cinema with a new-build extension to offer a flexible theatre space, cinema and library. The impact of the venue on Chester has been huge with the local authority reporting that within one year of opening it had attracted a million visitors, added 5% to Chester city centre’s footfall and directly supported 100 new jobs.

Storyhouse is truly a venue at the heart of its community. During the winter months, it acts as a warm hub, so it is vitally important that its spaces can be heated efficiently. Through our Theatre Improvement Scheme in association with The Wolfson Foundation, we were pleased to give Storyhouse a £20,000 grant in 2024 as a contribution towards its project to extend the array of solar panels on the roof, trebling its energy generating capacity and providing a clean, cost-effective way of heating the building for those community members who need it most.

This case study was produced as part of our Fifty@50 campaign to mark our 50th anniversary in 2026.

Photo credit: Beccy Lane