Willmott Dixon has won a contract to restore a Grade II-listed Art Deco theatre that closed more than 20 years ago.
The contract will update the Globe in Stockton-on-Tees, which was built in 1935 and once played host to the likes of Buddy Holly, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, to provide a more modern live music and comedy venue for around 3,000 people.
However, the building’s Art Deco heritage will be preserved, with historic parts of the building such as windows at the front and internal doors to be removed and stored during construction work. Mouldings of the ornate ceiling details have also been taken so that new profiles can be cast as part of the restoration.
The theatre closed in 1997 after a period of time as a bingo hall but the revamped building is expected to generate £18m a year in visitor spend.
Willmott Dixon is also renovating the neighbouring 153 High Street building, a former bridal wear shop, which will provide box office and café bar facilities for the Globe as well as operating as a standalone venue with a small performance area.
The deal was procured through Major Works England and Northern Ireland, a part of the Scape National Construction framework and the project has a £4.5m grant through the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Enterprise Scheme.
It follows Willmott Dixon’s refurbishment of nearby Darlington’s Hippodrome in 2017 as well as its recent appointment to renew the Civic Halls in Wolverhampton as well as Bristol’s Colston Hall concert venue.
Willmott Dixon’s previous experience restoring Art Deco venues includes rejuvenating the Dagenham Civic Centre as the new London campus for Coventry University and restoring and refurbishing 1930s built Leicester City Hall for Leicester City Council.
Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North said: "It is fantastic to be working on the restoration of the Globe Theatre, breathing new life into a really iconic building for the community. We look forward to seeing it become a cultural hub once again for future generations to enjoy."
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: “The Globe will be the biggest live entertainment venue between Newcastle and Leeds and will pull an estimated £18m into the local economy every single year. We’re ambitious for the borough. If you want to achieve big things you’ve got to deliver big projects. There’s so much public love for the Globe and this is a once in a generation project to bring it back.”
