Historic Angles Theatre in Wisbech will have lift and air conditioning installed

Plans to make a historic theatre fit for the 21st century have been given the go-ahead by Fenland planners – now organisers are busy fundraising to pay for the work.

Trustees of the Angles Theatre in Wisbech have submitted a planning application to install an internal lift and eight external air conditioning units on the Grade II listed building.

A design, access, and heritage statement drawn up by Swann Edwards Architecture in support of the proposals explains the aim of the works.

It said: “The proposed works will enhance the building, making it more accessible and useable. This will render the building fit for purpose for modern users and will ultimately secure the long-term use of the building, thereby avoiding the risk of it becoming underused or vacant.”

The statement said the theatre covers two buildings, the theatre building itself which was built in 1793 and the Angles Theatre workshop which was originally built as a library in around 1840 – both are Grade II listed.

“The development will be located across both of the buildings, with the internal lift positioned in the link between the two buildings with three of the air conditioning units installed on the Angles Theatre, and the other five air conditioning units installed on the Angles Theatre Workshop,” said the statement.

The lift involves a cantilevered platform which will provide for level access between the different floors within the building. It will be positioned within an existing staircase area within the public part of the building.

The lift comprises a flat platform that lifts up and across, lifting the user from one floor to another. When not in use, the lift appears as part of the surrounding flooring.

The air conditioning units will be positioned on three sides of the building.

The statement pointed out the air conditioning units will be visible externally however they will be on the sides of the building and tucked behind existing projections, so they will not be visible from the “public realm”.

The Theatres Trust, which is the national advisory body for theatres, offered its support to the scheme.

The trust recognised the fact the theatre is an “important community and cultural venue” and also a “heritage asset”.

It said: “The theatre has ambitions to invest in and further develop its facilities. A site visit was undertaken in early 2020. This particular project focuses on improved accessibility and air conditioning.

“There are some level changes within the building which prevent wheelchair access. To address this the lower hallway stairs will be replaced with a ‘Flexstep’ stair which works both as a staircase and stairlift. The current stairs appear to be of no particular significance, but there is significant public benefit in providing greater inclusivity and enhancing the theatre’s social value through making its spaces accessible. This is supported.”

“To the upper hallway staircase the existing steps will be removed and a section of wall next to it will be opened out. The stairs will be widened which will improve flow and enable installation of a cantilever system. Again this will provide wheelchair access, with similar public benefits.”

It added: “Effective heating and cooling is important in maintaining the comfort of audiences and visitors and providing appropriate working conditions for performers, staff and volunteers. Whilst this necessitates the installation of external units, we consider the proposed locations to minimise impact on the theatre’s significance and setting.”

Theatre trustee Aidan Cooper said: “This approval marks the first step in our long-term plan to enhance the accessibility and comfort of our beloved theatre. Currently, we do not have the necessary funds to undertake these improvements, and securing the required capital investment is a significant undertaking. We anticipate that it could take many months before installation begins as we work to raise the necessary funds. We invite and encourage our supporters to contribute to this important project. Donations can be made through our website at https://www.anglestheatre.co.uk/support-us/donate

Fenland planning officers approved the application this week under delegated powers.