A £35,000 fundraising campaign is underway to install a lift for people with disabilities at the Pateley Playhouse.
Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society, which is based at the theatre, is coordinating efforts to raise the sum.
The society said it is eligible for a £15,000 grant and hopes to raise the additional £20,000 via a crowdfunding page.
Renovating the historic 1930s Playhouse will be a complex project but the society has said the character of the building will remain intact.
Currently the first floor auditorium is only accessible via two steep staircases and a lift is required to comply with building regulations regarding disabled access.
The lower floor, which includes the bar, foyer and actors’ changing rooms will be re-arranged to accommodate the lift. Depending on funding, work is scheduled to start early 2021.
The Playhouse can seat up to 73 spectators but is currently closed due to the pandemic.
Read more:
- Pateley Bridge pubs are remaining closed despite very few covid cases.
- Image gallery of Pateley Bridge lit up for Christmas.
The society said it hoped that undertaking renovations during this period of covid-enforced closure would enable it to hit the ground running when it reopens next year.
Eileen Burgess, one of the founding members of The Playhouse in 1968, said:
“The Playhouse is such an important part of the community in Nidderdale and these renovations will make it even more inclusive for all members of the public.
“I can think of no better time to make these upgrades in the current circumstances and I hope the public will be enthused to pull together and raise the funds needed to start the process as soon as possible.”
To support the fundraising effort, click here.
