Brindley enhancement underway

Work has started on the exciting £9.5m Brindley Theatre Enhancement project.

The extension to the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn will include a large cafe-restaurant, relocated library and a civic space on the Brindley green, providing a more accessible and visible cultural destination.

The enhancement has been made possible by funding from the UK Government and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

During the building works, access to the Brindley is now via the Terrace Cafe and there is new signage around the building and adjoining roads to assist visitors to the building. Free parking for the Brindley is now on the former Crosville car park (next to Costa), opposite the Brindley, adjacent to the Bridgewater Canal. You can access to the car park is via the A533 Bridgewater Expressway.

The Brindley’s programme of events will continue as normal, the building work will not have an impact on the quality of the performances.

You can also keep up to date with the project via the Brindley website, www.thebrindley.org.uk and social media.

The Brindley enhancement is expected to be complete by June 2026.

Cllr Paul Nolan, Halton Borough Council's portfolio holder for Cultural and Leisure Services, says: "It's great to see that work is now underway on what heralds an exciting future for the Brindley. "Since opening in 2004, the Brindley Theatre has become a key asset in the borough and has steadily increased its customer base. The Brindley is an award-winning theatre and, by transforming it into a Cultural Hub, will give the community even more reasons to visit."

Award-winning Krol Corlett Construction, with multiple North West offices, have been appointed to undertake the building extension and enhancement works.

Dan Tebay, MD of Krol Corlett Construction, said: "We are incredibly proud to be the appointed main contractor for this transformative project as part of the ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’ Town Investment Plan. The Brindley has long been a cherished landmark, and our team is excited to bring this ambitious scheme to life.

"We specialise in enhancing iconic cultural hubs and to play our part in this collaboration that will help bring more visitors, boosting the local economy and the town's appeal as a prime destination, is a real honour."

The enhancement is a part of a wider programme, Reconnecting Runcorn which is made up of eight projects, incorporating 14 strands throughout Runcorn, to drive sustainable long term economic and productivity growth through the regeneration of the town. The programme was awarded funding from the Towns Fund in 2021 as part of the UK Government’s Town Deals Programme.

To see the new architect’s video of the new look Brindley and to find out more about all Reconnecting Runcorn projects, visit www.reconnectingruncorn.info

During August, the Brindley Box Office will be operating a phone and online service only, due to the building work. The website is available for ticket purchases 24/7 at www.thebrindley.org.uk, You can speak to a Box Office Team member Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm, on 0151 907 8360. Apologies for any inconvenience this causes.