Transformational work on the historic Embassy Theatre in Skegness has started on-site as part of Cultural Skegness, an East Lindsey District Council led project designed to bring a new ‘culture house concept’ to the town.
The redevelopment is designed to help the venue, which has been in Skegness since 1926, to expand and adapt to current needs, creating improved, modern, and accessible facilities that will provide residents and visitors with a bigger and better offer of activities and shows to enjoy.
Improvements are based on the founding principles of the ‘culture house concept’, based on a Scandinavian model aimed at boosting local engagement in the arts and diversifying a venue’s offer all year round.
The ambition for the culture house is to create a space to support the exploration and enjoyment of new opportunities and activities for young people and the local community, whilst continuing to develop the creative sector in the Lincolnshire coast, which is already developing and forming new national and international connections, including the Embassy’s ongoing partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company and its Associate Schools Programme.
The plans for the Towns Fund and Arts Council England funded work received planning permission on 5 September, and include significant upgrades to seating within the auditorium, an extended storage area for staging and equipment, and the creation of a new feature entrance and multi-purpose space to the southern side of the building.
A new external seating area will be introduced, and there will be upgrades to existing changing rooms, lift and toilet areas throughout. The proposals also include new Embassy venue signage on the front of the building.
The development is part of the Skegness Connected Coast Town Deal and Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund project, which has contributed to a £4.1million total programme of works for the theatre.
Councillor Steve Kirk, the council’s champion for the project, said: “This project will help to allow residents and holidaymakers alike access to the highest quality of performances, workshops and more. It will also provide a valuable platform for new creative businesses to develop and grow in East Lindsey, creating exciting new jobs and adding diversity to our existing cultural offer.”
Chris Baron, Chair, Connected Coast said: “It is fantastic news that work is now beginning on the Embassy Theatre, bringing us closer to realising the transformational ambitions for the much-loved venue.
“The plans will create many more, new, and diverse opportunities for people to enjoy performances and events in Skegness and participate in learning and creative activities.
“The proposals for the site will maximise the potential of the venue as a place that has something for everyone, whether you are a local resident or visitor to the town.”
