Reopening Rescheduled to earliest Spring 2021

In June 2018, we closed the doors of our building to create a new space to match our ambitions. Recent work on our redevelopment had moved forward with great strides, with the digging out of the foundations for the new air conditioning system completed and the laying of timber decking at circle and balcony levels prepared for the new tiered seating to be installed. Beyond the auditorium, the Hall’s beauty was being unveiled and restored as decades of paint were removed to reveal the original granite walls.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on theatres and live performance venues across the UK and with social isolation measures likely to be in place for some time, it is uncertain whether any will reopen this year. Our redevelopment had a temporary pause last month as Kier reviewed its procedures to comply with the Construction Leadership Council’s Operating Procedures, which reflect the Government’s instructions.  Whilst work has now restarted and care and responsibility of the team are the priority, the pause, as a result of lockdown, brings an inevitable delay with our proposed reopening, which is now scheduled for Spring 2021 at the earliest.

This situation is fast-moving and dynamic. Progress is being monitored closely and is under continuous review. We are continuing to develop exciting plans for our inaugural season and the great news is that we still have major theatre producers calling to arrange dates in the programme.  We are looking forward to sharing these with you later in the year when tickets will begin to go on sale.

Julien Boast, Hall For Cornwall’s CEO and Creative Director comments “This is obviously a very challenging time for everyone with ever-changing circumstances impacting all our lives.

“All theatres are fighting for their futures at the moment and, whilst the safety and welfare of everyone are the priority, we must not forget the many pledges already made to fund our redevelopment. At the same time members of our young people’s companies and community projects have been working hard to offer performances and prepare for the moment when they can take their careers further in our new theatre.

He continues ‘We are in close communication with our core stakeholders and funders, who are very supportive and exploring ways with us to ensure the project will continue to be successfully delivered.

“Like many other charities across the country COVID 19 is presenting us with significant challenges we need to overcome and we have been overwhelmed by the incredible messages of support we have received from members of the public during the past few weeks. A huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact us.

“We are seriously impatient to reopen our theatre, to show off its potential and to welcome our loyal audiences again and again to all the fun, amazement and emotion that we will all share – when we are through this - together”.

Co-chair of Hall For Cornwall’s trustees, Chris Pomfret OBE commented: ”Without Hall For Cornwall the region’s creative spirit, energy and drive would be drastically affected, as would the economic impact it delivers to Cornwall.  When we can safely come together again, our new theatre will be a truly aspirational building where communities and creative talent unite to celebrate and innovate. We thank all the community for their continued support during these unprecedented times”.