Plan to restore Scarborough's Little Theatre - part of Spa complex

Scarborough Council has lodged a planning application for works to the Grade II listed Spa complex on the town’s South Bay to allow it to make full use of the building’s Little Theatre.

Years of movement and water damage have taken their toll on the theatre, which now can only be used on a restricted basis in order to keep visitors.

Scarborough Council’s plans would see a permanent fix for the building undertaken, bringing the theatre back to its former glory.

The planning application states: “The Little Theatre at Scarborough Spa has undergone structural movement over a period of time, which has caused the failure of the structural columns supporting the roof.

“Additionally, the theatre has also suffered from water ingress, which has led to internal damages.

“The theatre now operates with restricted use and requires both waterproofing and structural support to ensure that the condition does deteriorate further and is brought back into full use.”

The work would restore the use of the theatre’s galleries and remove temporary support structures that are currently in place.

The application adds: “The proposed works will replace the existing shoring with a permanent structural system, with incorporated railings to create a safe escape route, allowing for the removal of the temporary walkway.

“The balcony will be resurfaced to provide waterproofing and a non-slip finish. Additionally, the drainage will be upgraded with low profile channel drains that will improve the effectiveness of the balcony to shed water whilst limiting the loss of historic fabric.

“Elsewhere, cladding both the east and west elevations will provide continuity with the existing cladding to the north elevation.”

The Spa in Scarborough is a Grade II* listed building that dates back to the 18th century, founded upon a fashionable mineral spring, yet the building that now stands, began to take form later in the 19th century

The Little Theatre forms the northern wing of the Spa which was a later addition to the complex during the late 1870s

The plans are now out to consultation.

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