Update on future of Sheffield's Library Theatre as massive refurbishment of landmark building announced
Concerns for long standing Sheffield facility
Sheffield Council has made a statement on the future of its Library Theatre after concerns were raised over its future.
The authority made an announcement on Monday (September 21) that it was looking to completely refurbish the building that houses the theatre - which is also where Graves Gallery and the City Archives are located - at a cost expected to run to over £30m.
Among the details to emerge is news the Graves Art Gallery is set to move out of the Library building which has been its home for generations, and take up a temporary site at another location. That is because of problems with the heating.
Specific plans for the future of the building, which opened in 1934, have not yet been revealed, with council's Strategy and Resources Committee set to discuss feasibility reports in the coming months.
However, the plans have raised concerns for some over the future of the Library Theatre in the basement of the building.
In a letter to the Star, a member of the Tudor Players theatre group said the group was maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the council about the theatre space and service, and ensuring it is not lost in the mix when the time comes to start any work.
He said: “The Library Theatre is a wonderful, historic location. It was actually the site of the first ever TV broadcast out of Sheffield in 1953. It also has a deep connection to grass-root community theatre scene across the city.
“However, it has its own need for significant accessibility updating, technological improvements, and just a good lick of paint.”
And now, the council have said that while the theatre remains open, its future will be considered as part of the current feasibility work that is taking place.
They said in a statement: “Options for the long-term future of the building and its transformation are still being worked through and are due to be presented at the Council’ Strategy and Resources Policy Committee, in the coming months.
“The Library Theatre is being considered as part of those options and as part of the current feasibility work that is taking place, but no decision has yet been made.
“The Library Theatre remains open in the immediate term.”