Raise the roof on the future of our venue
Originally built in 1921, our building started out life as a simple space with a barrel-vaulted roof before being extended in scope and size. It was in the 1980s when the theatre and gardens where under management by the local authority, that the building received a redevelopment using left over money from a failed Ashton theatre development project. Unfortunately, the result of these changes is what we face today; original features were ripped out and windows that offered a source of natural light were filled in with brick.
Today, our venue is in dire need of refurbishment. Not only do we want to fix some of the errors made in 1982, but we need to make the theatre a more efficient and welcoming home for top notch entertainment.
Welcome to Phase 1
The Windmill Performance & Education Centre is the first of three key phases. Phase 1 is all about the exciting new build, which is home to The Chapman Studio – a state-of-the-art 162 seated/350 standing entertainment space.
Opening in April 2025, this new space will not only be a greener space but will offering an incredible space to incubate brand new creative projects.
While we’ve been able to raise around £2.5 million towards this redevelopment, thanks to people like you and other private Trusts and Foundations, we still need your help to finish the build. Before it opens, we will need to.
While we’ve been able to raise around £2.5 million towards this redevelopment, thanks to people like you and other private Trusts and Foundations, we still need your help to finish the build. Click here to find out how you can support us.
Life after Phase 1
Phase 2
Once Phase 1 is complete, our campaign moves onto the back of house. This involves improved disability access to the stage, revamped dressing rooms and crucial first floor office space.
Phase 3
This phase will see us re-design our foyer space, cafe and bar. We’ll also be building up to include a first floor restaurant with views looking out over the estuary.
While we’d like to say thank you to all the people who have already donated, we’ve still got a way to go before being fully complete.
In this brochure you’ll find out more about all the ways you can help us to secure our future.
Throughout the process we will remain open!
By splitting our ambitious redevelopment campaign into three phases, we’re able to ensure that our facilities remain open and we’re able to continue presenting the best of live entertainment on our historic stage.
After fundraising almost £2.5 million towards the construction of our new Education Centre & Studio Theatre, we still need your help to fundraise the remaining amount we need to complete this first phase. Find out below how you can help.
Below, you can check out some of the original artist impressions of what the redevelopment will look like once all three phases are complete.
Phase 3: The updated main entrance into the foyer.
Phase 3: The updated main entrance into the foyer.
Phase 3: The updated main entrance into the foyer.
Phase 3: The first floor restaurant overlooking the estuary.
Phase 1: The new Windmill Performance & Education Centre (view from the sea front).
Phase 1: The new Windmill Performance & Education Centre (view from the gardens).
Phase 1: Inside the Chapman Studio within the Windmill Performance & Education Centre.