Plans for a major revamp of Norwich’s Playhouse have been submitted to the city council.
Norwich Theatre has today announced the submission of a planning application to Norwich City Council for the Playhouse, which includes a new first floor above the current bar area.
The 300-seat venue opened in 1995 within a converted 200-year-old riverside maltings. This refurbishment, designed by architects Citizens Design Bureau, aims to improve the building’s accessibility, enhance its environmental sustainability, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Key features of the proposal include:
- A new lift lift serving all floors, including staff areas
- More toilets
- Level access throughout the front-of-house, backstage, and garden areas.
- Upgraded insulation and energy-efficient air-source heat pumps
- Renewed outdoor garden space
- Increased multi-purpose spaces indoors
Norwich Theatre chief executive Stephen Crocker said: “Norwich Theatre Playhouse has been a cherished cultural landmark for 30 years. A space championed by icons of the stage and, most importantly, by the people of Norwich and Norfolk. While its character remains timeless, the building itself requires vital care to ensure it can meet 21st-century needs.
“The submission of this planning application is just the start. We hope to begin construction as early as 2028, strengthening our position as a cultural destination where everyone feels welcome for generations to come.”
