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The Theatres Trust Theatre Buildings at Risk Register 2015
Press Information
EMPIRE, BURNLEY
Empire, Burnley St James Street, Burnley, Lancashire, BB11 1NL
Total risk value 5: Risk rating: 3. Star rating: 2. Community rating: 0.
Significance
The 1200-seat Burnley Empire was built in 1894. The auditorium was reconstructed in 1911 by the
architect Bertie Crewe. It is Burnley’s only Grade II listed purpose-built Victorian theatre. The theatre is
considered to have a high level of architectural interest nationally, the principal feature being the
Bertie Crewe interior which, at the time of listing, retained most of the original structure and elaborate
detail with robust and richly formed plasterwork in the Classical style. Though the building is in a very
poor condition, with appropriate investment the theatre could be restored to use.
Risk
Summary of risk: Cost of works (High), Demolition (High), Building fabric (High), Ownership/sale
(Medium).
When Gala bingo moved out of this theatre in 1995 there were fears that it would be vulnerable to
neglect and vandalism. By 1997, the disused upper level already showed signs of fairly extensive
water penetration. The more immediate risk, however, seemed to be that it would be sold for some
highly profitable non-theatre activity, removing a splendid building from any prospect of a return to its
designed use. There was much local pressure to reopen the theatre and in 1997 the local authority
together with Burnley Light Opera Society and The Theatres Trust contributed to the cost of a
feasibility study to assess the scope for returning the former theatre to live theatre and entertainment
use. The 1997 study concluded that that the building could be restored and returned to theatrical use
at a cost of £9.5 million but that running the theatre would not be a profitable venture without a
minimum public subsidy of £210,000 per year.
The full extent of the condition of the building is not known however there are concerns that sections
of the building could suffer structural failure and potential loss of historic fabric as a result of neglect
and decay. Water ingress appears to be accelerating the decay of the structure. Externally the
building appears to be failing, particularly the roof which is not water tight and this will undoubtedly
have impacted on the condition of the interior.
The owner, Lancashire Theatre Company, went into administration and the building is now in the
hands of the Crown, which has advised that the theatre is valued at £50,000.
Current situation
In 2013 the Council served a Section 77 Order and undertook works (in default) to remove an area of
failing render and erect safety fencing on an elevation abutting the highway to keep the public at a
safe distance. However, this work has only addressed immediate public safety issues and
consideration now needs to be given to the wider challenges concerning this property. The building’s
vulnerability means that it could become dangerous very quickly.
The theatre is not being actively marketed by the Crown and whilst in its hands the building is exempt
from the powers available to the Council to secure urgent works to stabilise its condition and prevent
further deterioration. The Council reports that the Empire’s restoration would require a significant
amount of resources that it does not have. The Council has encouraged past and present owners to
restore the building and bring it back into use, thus ensuring its preservation for future generations,
and will continue to give every encouragement to prospective purchasers to return the building to a
viable use consistent with its conservation. None of the proposals to date have proven to be viable.
© The Theatres Trust
16/09/2015
The Theatres Trust Theatre Buildings at Risk Register 2015
Press Information
The Theatres Trust has proposed that it could be useful to identify some professional expertise to
enter the theatre and assess the condition of the plasterwork in particular and suggest what might be
done, but has not yet been able to do so. The Theatres Trust has been contacted by concerned
Burnley residents, keen to galvanise support within the community.
Aim
To work with the Council to establish access, assess the surviving condition of the Bertie Crewe
interior and necessary repairs and consider how best to secure long-term viability.
Action 2015/16 for The Theatres Trust
To maintain contact with Burnley Borough Council and make an assessment of the condition and
significance of the interior. To secure a proper recording of the building should it be lost.
Further Information
Current Freehold Owner: The Crown Estate
Current Operator/Manager: None
Local Authority: Burnley Borough Council W: www.burnley.gov.uk
Local Authority Contact: Pau Gatrell, Head of Housing and Development Control
E: [email protected]
Theatres Trust Theatres Database: ID Number 2012
The Theatres Trust Contact: Kate Carmichael E: [email protected] T: 020 7836 8591
© The Theatres Trust
16/09/2015