Blackpool Grand Theatre unveils new £300,000 refurbishment of historic gallery
“We’ve been careful to preserve the heritage and original character of Frank Matcham’s design.”
Blackpool Grand Theatre has unveiled its newly refurbished Gallery, completing a major project to restore an important part of the Grade II* listed building while improving comfort and accessibility for audiences.
The refurbishment, supported by £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £50,000 from the Friends of the Grand, began in August 2026 and was completed in October 2026.
The project marks the completion of a long-awaited ambition to improve the Gallery, which accounts for almost a third of the theatre's seating capacity.
Previously, 301 original wooden bench seats, which had been fitted with temporary cushioned pads during the 2002 auditorium restoration, have been replaced with 216 individual seats featuring backs and armrests.
The improvements have been designed to preserve the Gallery's historic character and the work of celebrated Victorian theatre architect Frank Matcham. Original tiering, handrails and sightlines have been restored, while carpets have been removed to reveal floorboards, which have been stained and varnished to reflect their original appearance.
The auditorium stairs have also been rebuilt, walkways widened to meet current safety standards and demountable seating installed in the slips. This can be removed to create wheelchair spaces when lift access becomes available as part of a future phase of the theatre's Masterplan.
The refurbishment has also brought the Gallery Bar back into use after 10 years. The completely refurbished space provides audiences with somewhere to enjoy refreshments before performances and during intervals.
Its history has influenced the redesign, with the bar originally operating as a Temperance Bar when the theatre opened in 1894. Environmental considerations have also played a part, with original floorboards being repurposed as kickboards and the countertop in the refurbished bar.
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Adam Knight, CEO of Blackpool Grand Theatre, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this important refurbishment, giving audiences a much more comfortable experience while bringing a long-neglected part of the theatre back to life.
“We’ve been careful to preserve the heritage and original character of Frank Matcham’s design, while reusing materials wherever possible. I’d like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Friends of the Grand for their support in helping us protect this remarkable building for future generations.”
The Gallery project is the second major phase of the theatre's ongoing Masterplan. Over the past two years, a £500,000 programme of external repairs, supported by Arts Council England, has included cleaning
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "The famous resort of Blackpool has shaped many a holiday with its vast array of entertainment, but it is also a town steeped in heritage.
“We're thrilled that thanks to National Lottery players, the Grade II* listed Blackpool Grand Theatre can now offer audiences a more comfortable experience while showcasing the stunning Matcham architecture and heritage details."