Hull’s National Picture Theatre transformation gets green light

28th May 2021

Tags

Plans to transform the former National Picture Theatre will now go ahead following a successful funding bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The £277,600 grant will include repair and conservation work, as well as the restoration of the facade of the building alongside its heritage features.

Its former auditorium will be used to create flexible space for events and as an education centre and a memorial allowing visitors to learn about the life of civilians in the Second World War.

The project will also see the National Civilian World War II Memorial Trust (NCWW2MT) manage the site as a memorial to the impact the Second World War had on Hull, with a comprehensive educational and learning programme included.

A council contribution of £178,300 as well as a contribution from the NCWW2MT will serve as match funding required for the delivery of the project.

Councillor Aneesa Akbar, Chair of the National Picture Theatre group, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in this project which will, for the first time since it was destroyed in World War II, allow the public to access the building safely.

“There is so much history within the National Picture Theatre that is of national importance, and to have the opportunity to give it the attention it deserves is fantastic.

“I would like to thank the National Lottery for recognising the significance of this project and the local community for their great support during the process.