The national advisory body for theatres has announced 31 theatres are at risk to close as shown in their annual Theatres Risk Register for 2021.
The Theatre Risk Register highlights buildings with significant architectural merit and strong community value which often pose significant risk.
The Theatres Trust works to help theatres and has found it increasingly difficult due to the pandemic.
In addition to the difficult challenges that Covid-19 has presented the theatre industry, a number of theatres in the UK also face other significant risks to their futures.
This year the Co-op Music Hall in Ramsbottom has appeared on the list due to owner neglect and being left in poor condition.
Co-op Hall was built in the 1870’s which is now under threat for the redevelopment of housing.
Just like Co-op Hall, music hall Hulme Hippodrome is at risk due to neglect and the trust believe it’s important to preserve these buildings
Due to be put on sale next week, a campaign group led by son of Factory Records Tony Wilson, is trying to save the building.
There is a worry that it might be sold to developer who does not appreciate its cultural and architectural value.
Theatres Trust Director, Jon Morgan said: “This past year has shown that communities value places where they can come together and that audiences miss live performances.”
Theatres trust has assisted theatres throughout the pandemic with their Theatre Reopening grants and Crowdfunder campaign and have an ongoing mission to preserve the theatres.
Jon Morgan said: “Theatres Trust believes that theatre will come back stronger than ever and that each building on the Theatres at Risk list has real potential to be a valuable asset to its community to bring much needed footfall to the town centre and spark regeneration of its area as part of the recovery post-covid.”
Main photo Hulme Hippodrome by EthelRedThePetrolHead. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
