SOLT & UK Theatre on urgent need for capital investment in theatres

Commenting on the Culture Secretary’s comments to the DCMS Committee, SOLT & UK Theatre Co-CEO Hannah Essex said:

“We welcome the Secretary of State’s recognition that the Creative Foundations Capital Fund being nine times oversubscribed underlines the scale of the crisis in theatre buildings. Restricting eligibility to projects at RIBA Stage 3 masked the true extent of urgent need across the country.

“Without a long-term capital plan for theatres, the UK risks losing the cultural infrastructure that drives local economies, sustains high streets, and provides creative skills pipelines. Government must move beyond one-off pots and commit to a sustained capital strategy that secures theatres in every region. With the right investment, Britain’s theatres can thrive – empowering communities, creating jobs, driving growth, and strengthening our world-leading cultural reputation.”