Swindon & Wiltshire News
Salisbury Playhouse awarded £3 million from Arts Council England
Wiltshire Creative has been awarded £3 million from Arts Council England to support the transformation of Salisbury Playhouse.
The funding has been announced as part of ACE’s £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund.
The 50-year-old venue, Wiltshire’s only producing theatre, which welcomes more than 100,000 visitors and runs nearly 300 shows each year, requires significant repairs and upgrades to remain fully operational.
Planned works will improve accessibility throughout the building, including new toilets, lifts and a Changing Places facility.
Essential infrastructure – including the roof, electrical and water systems, and air handling equipment – will be replaced or restored to modern standards.
Environmental upgrades such as solar panels, LED lighting and a heat pump will also reduce energy use and ongoing costs.
Rosa Corbishley, co-CEO and executive director, said: “Salisbury Playhouse has been a hub for creativity in Wiltshire for 50 years – creating bold, ambitious theatre, nurturing talent and bringing communities together through shared cultural experiences.
“As the county’s only producing theatre, our reach extends far beyond our walls and our audiences – we play a key part in the UK’s national theatre network and offering.”
Gareth Machin, co-CEO and artistic director, added: “This £3 million investment is not simply about repairing a building, it will allow us to protect and modernise our much-loved theatre that sits at the heart of our community, making it more accessible, more sustainable and fit for the future generation of artists and audiences.
“We are incredibly grateful to Arts Council England for their support, which will allow us to unlock additional support and ensure we can continue to create and inspire for another 50 years.”
John Glen, MP for Salisbury, said: “This is a hugely welcome investment in one of Salisbury’s most important cultural assets.
“Salisbury Playhouse plays a vital role in our local economy, supporting jobs, attracting visitors and enriching community life. These improvements will help ensure the theatre remains accessible, sustainable and able to inspire audiences for many years to come.”
Councillor Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Salisbury Playhouse plays an important role in shaping Salisbury as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
“This investment strengthens the city’s cultural offer and helps ensure the Playhouse continues to support a thriving city centre and a strong sense of local identity.”
Councillor Sam Charlston, leader of Salisbury City Council, said: “We hope this funding will allow Wiltshire Creative to continue to deliver their truly excellent and remarkable work.
“Regional producing theatres like the Playhouse are incredibly rare and they deserve our support if we want to keep the British theatre scene alive and well.”
Phil Gibby, South West area director, Arts Council England, said: “Today’s announcement marks a powerful commitment to the cultural life of the South West.
“This support will safeguard much‑loved venues, from major galleries and civic museums to community hubs, heritage sites and producing theatres. It’s about far more than buildings – it’s about enabling artists, audiences and communities to thrive, because creativity enriches all of our lives.”
Wiltshire Creative will reveal the full redevelopment plans for Salisbury Playhouse in the summer.
