A major, £2m refurbishment project at one of Plymouth’s most iconic buildings will see the full re-opening of a much-loved theatre in 2027.
The New Athenaeum project, which will be launched at a series of events on 10-11 July, will refurbish, modernise, and reimagine the Athenaeum as a vibrant, inclusive, and multi-purpose arts, culture, and learning venue, supporting local, national, and international creative talent and community use.
The three-phrase refurbishment works have an estimated cost in excess of £2m and will transform the Plymouth Athenaeum into a thriving cultural hub that celebrates creativity, learning, and community – a venue that honours its proud heritage while evolving to meet the needs of a modern audience.
The refurbishments, which will significantly increase the auditorium’s current 340 capacity, will create a sustainable, accessible, and inspiring space for artists, performers, learners, and the wider public – connecting its rich history with an exciting future.
The project, which will eventually create up to 50 new jobs, will deliver a full refurbishment of the auditorium, including installing a new dancefloor, refurbished seating, and new sound, and lighting systems.
“We are absolutely delighted with the launch of the New Athenaeum project, which will see a massively improved auditorium re-open,” says Owen Ryles, chief executive of the Plymouth Athenaeum.
“The Athenaeum has such a rich and cherished heritage as a performing arts venue. And for more than 200 years it has played an important role in the city’s cultural offering. The New Athenaeum project and the refurbishment works will make the building better than ever and provide an exciting and accessible event space for the city.”
Working exclusively with local contractors, suppliers and companies, the refurbishments feature new and expanded hospitality facilities including café bars and restaurants.
Alongside the creation of enhanced event spaces, other improvements will include significant new and improved accessibility facilities including permanent ramps and lifts.
The refurbishment works are being funded by social investment, all secured from local investors who have backed other major community projects in the city. The New Athenaeum company is being created to manage, maintain and operate the Plymouth Athenaeum building.
HISTORY OF THE ATHENAEUM
Opened on 1 June 1961, the current Plymouth Athenaeum building was designed by architects Walls and Pearn. The building stands on the site of the original Athenaeum (1819), which was destroyed by bombing in 1941. Walls and Pearn’s 1961 Athenaeum was inspired by the Royal Festival Hall, constructed for the 1951 Festival of Britain.
The 340-seat theatre in the Athenaeum has been closed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
