University to fund £2.4m redevelopment of historic Durham theatre

Durham University has announced plans for a £2.4 million redevelopment of one the city's historic and much-loved theatres - The Assembly Rooms. The renovation comes as part of the University's Estates Masterplan. The redevelopment will help to make parts of the 220-seat venue more accessible to wheelchair users and people with prams and buggies, restore the 150 year old theatre's original ceiling, and refurbish its Box Office area. The renovated playhouse will also include improvements to the workshop, dressing room, and toilet facilities. Durham University's Director of Experience Durham, Quentin Sloper, said: "The Assembly Rooms is a beacon of creativity and performance - not just for Durham students and staff, but for people across the city, county, region, and beyond. I'm delighted to announce this investment, which will make this popular and iconic local venue even better. "This £2.4 million investment shows just how serious we are about ensuring that Durham University is market leading in student theatre." The Assembly Rooms was first built in 1869 and served as the city's first cinema, before Durham University acquired the site in 1930.