Victoria Theatre

Significance

Built in 1899 and designed by Bertie Crewe, the Victoria Theatre in Salford is Grade II listed. This architecturally important theatre has a fine terracotta façade with much stained glass and a beautiful and intimate auditorium featuring richly scrolled plasterwork.

There are substantial remains of wooden sub-stage machinery including a complete grave trap. A visit to the theatre in autumn 2019 uncovered what is believed to be the only surviving example in the UK of a ‘scruto’ stage. As explained by historical theatre experts Theatresearch: “The stage was originally designed along the English Wood Stage principles whereby the sliders for the cuts and bridges slid off under the wings. However, because the wings were too narrow the sliders curved downwards in the manner of a roll-top desk. This was a technique used in the construction of a Corsican Trap, but it is now the only complete surviving example in the British Isles”.

It is also remarkable for its early use as a cinema, hosting moving pictures as early as 1901

Why is this theatre at risk?

The Victoria Theatre has been on the Theatres at Risk Register since we started the Register in 2006.

The Victoria Theatre closed as a bingo hall in 2007 and has remained unoccupied ever since. It was bought by a local developer in 2018 and the theatre left neglected and in a serious state of dilapidation. It was put up for auction in October 2020 with a guide price of £400k. The theatre was purchased by a private owner. The current owner completed urgent repairs to the building, fixing holes in the roof, removing the vegetation growth and clearing debris. They also installed new security shutters and CCTV to better secure the building, although forced entry continues to be a problem. Unaware of the restrictions regarding carrying out works to a listed building, this was carried out without consent, however, the local authority has worked with the owner to resolve these issues.

Like any building that has been left vacant for over a decade, the Victoria requires much work before it can be opened for public use. The scale of the works to restore the building is such that it is inevitable that some public funding will be required.

Theatre potential

The Victoria requires a new use that would preserve its special interest and allow the possibility of a return to performance and community use.

The area of Salford in which the Victoria is situated is a focus for regeneration; the theatre is one of the few designated historic buildings remaining. Salford, once a city in decline, is now one of the fastest growing. Salford City Council and Manchester City Council have developed a joint Strategic Regeneration Framework for the combined Strangeways and Cambridge regeneration areas, where the theatre is situated. Salford Victoria Theatre Trust (SVTT) and Theatres Trust took part in consultations on the Strategic Regeneration Framework to emphasise the benefits to the community of including the Victoria theatre in the regeneration framework, as a significant heritage building that would encourage footfall, inclusive community activities and the night-time economy in the area as well as having a wider national appeal.

The Strategic Regeneration Framework has now been adopted. It supports the restoration of Salford Victoria as a valuable community asset but recognises the flood risk to the area around the theatre. It therefore proposes the creation of a major new city park, called Copper Park, covering 60 acres (24 ha), to the rear of the theatre to assist with flood control and provide recreational facilities of regional significance.

In 2019, SVTT was awarded funding through Theatres Trust Theatres at Risk Capacity Building Programme to carry out a viability study to determine the best use for the Victoria. The viability study concluded that the theatre has potential as a multi-purpose space that includes live performance and that a phased approach to the works would most likely be needed. 

A successful application to the Architectural Heritage Fund’s (AHF) Heritage Revival Fund enabled SVTT to commission an updated viability study, which has strengthened the findings of the earlier report. The new report suggests a four-phased approach to reopening the theatre as a flexible events centre and community hub:

• Phase 1: urgent works to stabilise the building and make it safe
• Phase 2: works to reopen the ground floor and front of house of the theatre
• Phase 3: works to reopen the stage house
• Phase 4: works to fully reopen the upper levels of the front of house and the auditorium.

Current situation

SVTT has been campaigning to save the theatre for many years and, with Theatre Trust’s advice and support, is continuing to raise public awareness of the building, broaden its engagement with local stakeholders and the local community, and strengthen its own skills as an organisation.

Theatres Trust has given critical support to SVTT around governance and business planning, through our Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme. SVTT has been part of the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities cohort training focused on governance best practice and received a grant from the programme for a more detailed governance review. This has led to SVTT recruiting new members with a broader range of useful skills.

A second grant from the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme enabled SVTT to commission expert guidance to develop an action plan and business plan, to identify priorities, and improve the group’s readiness for its aim of taking over the building and undertaking a capital project. This enabled SVTT, with Theatres Trust’s guidance, to prepare a credible application to AHF for a grant of up to £15k to assess the building’s condition, explore potential future uses, and establish whether the intended plans are appropriate and sustainable (see section above for details of its recommendations).

Through our Sector Skills Bank, SVTT has been given expert advice on its legal status, recommending that becoming a registered charity would support future fundraising applications. The application to become a registered charity was successful in early 2026.

Main photo Victoria Theatre, Theatres Trust. Interior, Salford Victoria Theatre Trust