The theatre’s Capital Project has passed the first round of its application from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for £506,800 as well as securing a £300,000 grant awarded by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
While the theatre has not yet secured the half a million from the National Lottery, they have been awarded £26,200 from the Heirtage Fund allowing it to progress with its plans and allow it to be considered for the remaining amount.
The money, if secured, will be used for a £1.5m improvement plan for 2019-21, designed to enable key repairs, heritage conservation and to upgrade the buildings facilities.
“This project has been 3 years in the planning, and we’re delighted that, thanks to a development grant from The National Heritage Lottery Fund, it’s a big step further to becoming a reality. Trinity is very much a community venue and we’re really looking forward to sharing our plans with local people,” said Alison Kemp, Trinity Theatre Grants Manager.
The grant from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council follows on from a renewed but changing commitment to fund the theatre’s on-going operation.
Councillor Jane March, head of Culture, Leisure & Tourism at TWBC said: “It’s great that TWBC is able to continue investing in the cultural landscape of Tunbridge Wells, by providing Trinity with the funding and support to improve and extend its facilities and help it on its journey to self-sufficiency.”
Plans for the theatre include the opening up of the clocktower to the public and introduce a new viewing platform that will offer expansive views over Tunbridge Wells.
“I’m really excited by this project, it will not only improve the facilities and experiences for our audiences but create a unique attraction and visitor destination for the town that will complement perfectly with the Amelia Scott development being worked on,” said Alex Green, Executive Director at Trinity Theatre.
