Securing the future of the SJT

We’re currently in the process of an ambitious fundraising programme which will secure the future of the SJT for years to come and we need your help.

How did we get here?

Our Grade II listed art deco building is now 90 years old and was converted into the building you know today 30 years ago. Lots of the equipment and infrastructure installed in 1996 is now end-of-life. An inspection by members of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers showed all elements of the air handling system were at, or beyond, expected economic life and elements serving backstage areas have already failed. The work to replace the air handling system is critical to ensure the theatre can continue to operate.

How much will this vital work cost?

We’ve been working on a £4.6m project to secure the future of the theatre since 2023. Last year we secured the first £1.1m for the project thanks to: £393,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered through North Yorkshire Council. We received a further £150,000 from Garfield Weston Foundation and £50,000 from the Bernard Sunley Foundation, with the remainder of the project being supported through the Scarborough Theatre Development Trust and the theatre’s own reserves.

This allowed us to begin work on the roof, replacing the heating and ventilation units for The Round auditorium.

We’re now looking to raise the remaining £3.5m. The next phase of our fundraising programme is an application for £2.7m to the government’s Creative Foundations Fund administrated by Arts Council England. We’re delighted that the Expression of Interest application we submitted earlier this year was successful and we’ve been invited to apply for the full £2.7m.

How can you help?

Read more about our plans below and complete a short survey (5 mins) to let us know:

1. How important the SJT is to you

2. What our priorities should be

3. How our plans will benefit you

What’s the plan?

• To replace the existing flat roof which was installed as part of the original conversion in 1996 and is now leaking badly, letting water in and heat out. The new roof has been specially selected for its suitability in marine environments; it will be insulated to modern standards to minimise thermal loss/gain and it is estimated that this will provide a 73% reduction in our CO2 emissions.

• To replace the theatre’s heating and ventilation units, also installed as part of the 1996 conversation and now at end-of-life. The units will be replaced with integrated heat pump technology and renewed controls, allowing us more control over the temperature in our auditoriums. This means we can keep the theatre warm in the winter, cool in the summer but also dramatically reduce our operating costs with new, more efficient technology while dramatically reducing our CO2 emissions.

• To upgrade the McCarthy auditorium by significantly improving accessibility for artists and audiences. We will install a lift to the back of the auditorium, provide increased numbers of wheelchair spaces as well as replacing and reconfiguring the seating to improve audience comfort, and create a new dedicated bar.

Our design team has completed all works to RIBA Stage 4 – we have full designs, costings and programme. We have secured planning permission and listed building consent and are ready to go if our application is successful.

Survey:

Support the SJT and fill out the survey here. It should take around 5 minutes to complete.

The survey will close at midnight on Sunday 28 September.  

Next steps:

Alongside our application to the Creative Foundations Fund, we are fundraising for the final phase of work which will require £800,000. We have identified a number of sources and are in the process of making applications.

Published 17 September 2025