Council approves £10M for Orchard Theatre rebuild after safety concerns caused closure in September 2023.
The council built a temporary venue called Orchard West, which hosted events while the theater was closed. That cost 2.6 million pounds, exceeding the original 1.5 million. The original theater’s roof got fixed, and they added solar panels at that time.
Dartford council said they must upgrade fire safety. This follows new rules after the Grenfell fire. “Significant further works” are now needed to meet today’s safety standards, and the council agreed to do these works.
Council leader Jeremy Kite stated the work will happen. They will try to lower the project’s costs because theaters are complex buildings. He thinks keeping the theater open is the right choice.
The council says a rebuild would cost thirty million. Since 1983, the Orchard Theatre has entertained people. They are giving it 9.8 million more to fix it up.
One million more will keep the temporary theater open until the main theater reopens. They expect reopening in May of next year.
Half a million pounds goes to Trafalgar Entertainment too, ensuring they can put on shows next year. Councillor Kite said the work is vital, acknowledging the costs are very high. He says the theater brings people together and work has already begun on the Orchard Theatre.