We’re thrilled to share some big news about the future of Lawrence Batley Theatre
Thanks to funding from Arts Council England’s Arts Everywhere Fund, we’ve been awarded £630,000 to transform and future-proof our building — ensuring it continues to serve our community for generations to come.
The Arts Everywhere Fund is part of a £1.5 billion national investment in cultural infrastructure. This initiative is supporting 130 cultural venues, museums, and libraries across the country — protecting the arts and ensuring communities everywhere can access culture on their doorstep. Lawrence Batley Theatre is one of just 16 spaces across Yorkshire to receive financial support.
What This Investment Means
This funding will support a major refurbishment of our iconic, Grade II* listed building right here in Huddersfield. We're pleased that this investment will cover:
- A refreshed and more welcoming foyer and bar area
- Enhanced performance and rehearsal spaces focusing on our Attic Theatre and Cellar Theatre
- Modernised and improved community spaces
- Upgraded technical equipment
- Improvements to environmental sustainability
Our programme of live events will continue as normal during the works, so you won't miss a moment of the action. We expect the refurbishment project to happen gradually over the next 3 years. As the only professional theatre facility in Kirklees, this investment is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about building a place where everyone feels they belong and strengthening Huddersfield's cultural offer.
Our Interim Chief Executive, Olivia Race, said “We are grateful to Arts Council England for their continued investment in our world-class theatre facility. I am proud to lead our organisation through this exciting period of improvements to our 200-year-old Grade II* listed building. This funding comes at a crucial time in helping to secure the long-term future of the theatre, and we are delighted to have Arts Council England’s backing as we continue to bring a high-quality cultural offer to the people of Huddersfield and Kirklees.
“This investment will help us to maintain our historic identity as a valuable asset for the community, while making the theatre an even more welcoming and inclusive space for everyone who walks through our doors. From families attending their first show to local people taking part in our community productions, this building holds so many shared experiences. These improvements will allow us to create even more opportunities for people to connect, create and feel a sense of belonging here.”
Harpreet Uppal, Huddersfield MP said "I am delighted that the Lawrence Batley Theatre has received funding from the Government's Creative Foundation Fund. Lawrence Batley Theatre is an incredible cultural and economic asset to Huddersfield, and I have many happy memories of visits to the theatre over the years. I am excited to see what they do with this money to keep our fantastic local theatre thriving!"
This isn't the first time in recent years that we've secured investment for the future of the theatre. In 2019, we achieved funding to fully refurbish our main theatre space, upgrade lighting and create an accessible changing room. This new project builds on that success - helping to secure the long-term future of our 200-year-old building and the role it plays in the life of Kirklees.
Part of a Bigger National Investment
The funding comes from Arts Council England's Arts Everywhere Fund, part of a £1.5 billion national investment in cultural infrastructure. This initiative is supporting 130 cherished arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England - protecting the arts and ensuring communities everywhere can access culture on their doorstep.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: "I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.
"Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit sixteen culture venues, museums, and library services across Yorkshire and the Humber.
"Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities, they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of Yorkshire and the Humber."
Rebecca Ball, Area Director, North, Arts Council England said: "Our museums, libraries and arts organisations have the power to change lives, they give us access to new worlds, teach us about our heritage and give us new perspectives on life. I'm so pleased that we’ll be supporting so many of our cultural organisations in the North with this capital investment, which will ensure that they can continue to deliver incredible arts and culture to their communities."
Why This Matters
Theatre has always been at the heart of Huddersfield. Every year, we welcome over 80,000 people through our doors — whether they're watching a show, taking part in a workshop, performing on stage or visiting us for the very first time. This investment ensures we can continue to make magic happen, by bringing world-class shows to Huddersfield, championing outstanding home-grown talent and being a welcoming place for our community, that our people can be proud of.
This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Lawrence Batley Theatre. We can't wait to share updates as the transformation progresses - and to welcome you into an even better, brighter space soon. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for further updates.
