Raise the Roof
The Pump House was created by converting an old Victorian building into a theatre more than 50 years ago. And like many very old buildings this iconic facility has reached the point where it needs some major refurbishment work to secure its future for the community for the next 50 years.
A few years ago we launched the Raise the Roof campaign which has successfully raised £850,000 so far to make essential building improvements including a new roof, additional seats, bigger dressing rooms, new studio/rehearsal space and improved facilities for those with accessibility needs.
Phase one of this project is to replace the failing Theatre roof. Due to current building regulations the only way to do this is to rebuild the theatre section with new foundations, new steelwork and a new wall. We were all ready to start building work this summer but in the intervening time, in part due to rapidly increasing construction costs, we urgently need to find an additional £450,000 before the end of June to undertake phase one of the project. Further delays to starting in the current world economic climate risk the costs going up further.
And so we are asking everyone who knows and loves the Pump House if they can make a contribution.
We know this is a big ask and we don’t make it lightly, especially as we know so many of you have already made a donation. But we wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t an emergency.
We’re grateful for any amount you are able to give. But for those able to donate £1,000 or more we will be offering a premium ‘Brick’ in our ‘Sponsor A Brick’ scheme which will give you prominent recognition in the new development.
No matter what the twist and turns we encounter in the coming months and years, this money will continue to be dedicated to the plans for the essential repairs and improvements to the Pump House Theatre.
Our planned improvements for this programme will be delivered in phases but include:
- A new watertight, insulated roof which will not only save a lot of energy but provide effective heating and ventilation for much improved audience comfort. The new roof will be raised to provide a better performance space with more facilities.
- Significantly bigger dressing rooms that will support larger productions and remove the current need for large cast performers to walk outside to additional dressing room space during performances.
- New disabled access and facilities to performers as the current stage and back stage areas are not disabled friendly.
- New, multi-purpose art and rehearsal studio space with natural light sources.
- Additional seats in a new balcony area.
- Additional performer support facilities for the Colne River Room space.
