The Embassy Theatre in Skegness has officially reopened its doors following the completion of a £4.1 million redevelopment designed to reimagine the much loved venue as one of the UK’s first Scandinavian-inspired ‘culture house concepts’.
Delivered by leisure development specialist, Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure (DLL) the project has transformed the historic 1926 building into a modern, accessible and flexible use venue capable of hosting a wide range of year-round cultural activities, performances and community events.
Funded by the Skegness Towns Fund and Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund, the works support East Lindsey District Council’s ambition to increase participation in the arts, expanding opportunities for local people, particularly young people, to engage with culture in new and inspiring ways.
The works include major upgrades to the auditorium’s retractable seating system, an extension for new storage facilities to accommodate more ambitious productions and a remodelled entrance and multi-use space. A stylist Art Deco bar has also been installed and external improvements include a new seating area, enhanced changing rooms, enhanced signage, toilet facilities and a lift to improve inclusion and accessibility.
The Embassy Theatre will continue to be operated by Magna Vitae, a charitable trust and partner to East Lindsey District Council.
Seb Rowe, Delivery Manager, Alliance Leisure, says: “This model breaks new ground in the UK by adopting the Scandinavian Culture house approach, where spaces are designed for versatility, inclusivity and creativity. Working in collaboration with partners including Universal Construction, LK2 Architects and Axion Project Services, through the UK Framework, we have delivered a pioneering venue that balanced modern functionality with the rich heritage of the building. We are proud to have played a part in remodelling a historical building into a modern day cultural hub.”