Restoration of Pendle Hippodrome Theatre ahead of schedule

Altham-based Readstone Construction says the project to create a pre-theatre venue and function room at Colne’s Pendle Hippodrome Theatre and Derby Arms pub is on track to finish three months ahead of schedule, in June.

The transformation, funded by the government’s Levelling Up pot, has included the installation of three passenger lifts, new sash windows, chemical cleaning of the external walls, and new extensions.

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre next to the Derby Arms pub in Colne (Image: NQ/Archive)

Where possible, the team has retained the building’s old features, restoring original cornice work, cleaning exposed red brick walls, and replicating the original stained glass windows.

They have also redeveloped the Hippodrome’s existing foyer, box office, and toilet areas.

READ MORE: Refurbishment work progressing on Colne's three theatres

Where possible, Readstone has used local subcontractors from Nelson, Colne, and Burnley to work on the renovation, creating new jobs for people across Pendle and the wider area.

Four East Lancashire apprentices have also played a key role in the development, all of whom qualified in their roles whilst working on the Hippodrome project.

Simon Whittam, project manager at Readstone Construction in front of the Derby Arms in Colne (Image: Readstone Construction)

Simon Whittam, project director at Readstone Construction, said: "We are so proud to be bringing fantastic buildings like this back to life.

"The project has not come without its challenges, but it has been extremely rewarding to see its progress to this stage, and we are delighted to be both on budget and ahead of schedule.

READ MORE: Derby Arms to be merged into Pendle Hippodrome following council approval

"One of the conditions for doing this project was to use local sub-contractors where possible. We are proud to say that 90 per cent of our sub-contractors have been local, which has been great for all parties involved."

Readstone Construction have employed a large number of Apprentices and local sub-contractors to work on the Pendle Hippodrome project (Image: Readstone Construction)

Richard Savory, managing director of RAISE Partnership Limited, said: "As Programme Managers of the Levelling Up funded Colne Heritage Quarter Project, working on behalf of Pendle Borough Council, we have thoroughly enjoyed working with Readstone Construction. 

 "Simon and his team have been easy to deal with, have delivered on time and on budget, and consistently demonstrated their commitment to the highest quality craftsmanship and quality."

The Pendle Hippodrome Theatre renovation is part of a £6.5m project to restore Colne’s Heritage Quarter, which also includes the Little Theatre, Colne Muni, and the transformation of Colne Market Hall.

Phillip Spurr, director of place for Pendle Borough Council, said: “We are delighted with the work Readstone has carried out at Pendle Hippodrome to transform the theatre.

 "Our new Heritage Quarter, which also includes The Little Theatre and The Muni Theatre, is in the heart of Colne and will offer an enhanced programme of events and activities for the local community and visitors."