Warrington’s Pyramid Arts Centre, located in the heart of Palmyra Square, is set to undergo a transformative £5million redevelopment, thanks to a significant investment from the government’s Towns Fund deal.
This exciting project aims to modernise the venue while preserving its historic features, ultimately enhancing its role as a cultural hub for our community.
The Pyramid Arts Centre, managed by Culture Warrington and owned by Warrington Borough Council, is poised to become a more modern and flexible venue, capable of hosting a wide range of events. The project is supported by a £4.9million share from the government’s £3.6billion Town Deal, which is focused on driving economic regeneration across the UK.
Chris Persoglio, Executive Director of Culture Warrington, said: “This long-awaited, exciting development will truly take Pyramid to the next level. Our beloved arts centre already welcomes people from all sections of the community for high-quality performances, rehearsals, exhibitions, workshops, classes, conferences, and meetings. But this project will make Pyramid much more fit-for-purpose and help to drive cultural growth in Warrington.”
Key improvements will include a new layout for the Studio Theatre, which will introduce a café and bar area to enhance the visitor experience. The Exhibition Hall will be expanded to accommodate up to 380 people, making it a prime venue for larger events and performances.
New facilities will be added, including a new box office, upgraded gallery space, improved toilet and changing facilities and enhanced accessibility. Technical upgrades will include an enhanced power supply and acoustic improvements to facilitate simultaneous events without sound interference. Additionally, improved internal and external signage will be implemented to guide visitors effectively.
Maureen Banner, Chair of Culture Warrington, added: “This project will bring new and bigger audiences to Warrington and make Pyramid more sustainable. “Our vision is to make Pyramid a hub for developing talent in the area. This next phase in Pyramid’s development will help us inspire and upskill young people and future professionals in a wide range of roles within the creative industries. “In essence, this multi-million-pound project will make Pyramid even more of an asset to the Cultural Quarter where people from all over Warrington and beyond will come to connect and collaborate, or enjoy some of the region’s best shows.”
The Pyramid Arts Centre will close for renovations at the end of this month and is expected to reopen in late 2025. During this period, the centre’s box office, performances and other services will be temporarily relocated to a ‘pop-up’ venue in the town centre. More details about this temporary location will be shared in the coming weeks.
Councillor Tony Higgins, Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure said: “It’s great news that this exciting project is getting under way. Pyramid Arts Centre is a cornerstone of our cultural scene, and this investment will transform the facility, ensuring it continues to serve people – from Warrington and beyond – as a vibrant arts hub for generations to come.
“The renovations will create a first-class, flexible space with greater capacity, which will enable us to cater to a wider range of artistic disciplines and events and host more diverse and ambitious performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
“Crucially, the project has been designed to protect this beautiful Grade II listed building, striking a perfect balance between preserving Pyramid’s rich heritage and creating a modern, accessible space that will inspire future generations of artists and art lovers. This project is a major boost for Warrington’s cultural landscape and I can’t wait to see the doors open to the public once more.”