Help us reach our milestone!
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.
Help us to finish Phase 1
If you stand in our Edwardian gardens, you’ll be able to see our brand new, second venue, The Windmill Performance & Education Centre.
It’s in here that you’ll find The Chapman Studio, The Lions Community Space, and our Outdoor Classroom.
This new venue is home to a variety of community events and projects, including workshops, live music, comedy, and much more.
Although we soft-launched this new space in April 2025, we’re still fundraising to complete the building ahead of its official launch in Autumn.
Events are already taking place in The Chapman Studio, our new 162-seat or 350-standing auditorium; however, we aren’t at the finish line just yet.
Despite having invested £3 million into the building, and having welcomed artists such as Arthur Smith, Reelin’ in the Dan, and Liz Jones to name a few – we still need your help.
Every donation, whether £1 or £1000, brings us closer to creating a space where our community can learn, create and shine.
Join us in helping keep Lowther at the heart of Fylde’s cultural legacy today.
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 £3 million towards the construction of The Windmill Performance & Education Centre Studio, 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.