Victoria Theatre

Significance

Built in 1899 and designed by Bertie Crewe, the Victoria Theatre in Salford is Grade II listed. This architecturally important theatre has a fine terracotta façade with much stained glass and a beautiful and intimate auditorium featuring richly scrolled plasterwork.

There are substantial remains of wooden sub-stage machinery including a complete grave trap. A visit to the theatre in autumn 2019 uncovered what is believed to be the only surviving example in the UK of a ‘scruto’ stage, as explained by historical theatre experts Theatresearch: “The stage was originally designed along the English Wood Stage principles whereby the sliders for the cuts and bridges slid off under the wings. However, because the wings were too narrow the sliders curved downwards in the manner of a roll-top desk. This was a technique used in the construction of a Corsican Trap, but it is now the only complete surviving example in the British Isles”.

It is also remarkable for its early use as a cinema, hosting moving pictures as early as 1901.

Why is this theatre at risk?

The Victoria Theatre has been on the Theatres at Risk Register since we started the list in 2006.

The Victoria Theatre closed as a bingo hall in 2007 and has remained unoccupied ever since. It was bought by a local developer in 2018 and the building left neglected and in a serious state of dilapidation. It was put up for auction in October 2020 with a guide price of £400,000. The theatre was purchased by a private owner. The current owner completed urgent repairs to the building, fixing holes in the roof, removing the vegetation growth and clearing debris. They also installed new security shutters and CCTV to better secure the building, although forced entry continues to be a problem. Unaware of the restrictions regarding carrying out works to a listed building, this was carried out without consent, however, the local authority is currently working with  the owner to resolve these issues.

Like any building that has been left vacant for over a decade, the Victoria requires much work before it can be opened for public use. The scale of the works to restore the building is such that it is inevitable that some public funding will be required.

The building is now for sale again. The current owner put the property up for auction in December 2024, but the property failed to sell. The prospect of a change of ownership raises further uncertainty and risk for the building.

Theatre potential

The building requires a new use that would preserve its special interest and allow the possibility of a return to performance community use.

The area of Salford in which the Victoria is situated is a focus for regeneration; the theatre is one of the few designated historic buildings remaining. Salford, once a city in decline, is now one of the fastest growing.

Salford City Council and Manchester City Council are collaborating on a joint commission to develop a Strategic Regeneration Framework for the combined Strangeways and Cambridge regeneration areas, where the building is situated. A multi-disciplinary team, led by Avison Young, has been appointed and they are working with both councils and key stakeholders to develop a long-term vision for the area and production of a draft Strategic Regeneration Framework, prior to a formal public consultation in mid-2025 on the draft document. Following consultation, it is hoped the framework document will be finalised and endorsed by both councils in autumn 2025. Once adopted the  Strategic Regeneration Framework will form a material consideration when future planning applications are received for the area.

The Salford Victoria Theatre Trust (SVTT) and Theatres Trust has taken part in consultations on the Strategic Regeneration Framework to emphasise the benefits to the community of including the Victoria in the regeneration plan, as a significant heritage building that would encourage footfall, inclusive community activities and the night-time economy in the area as well as having a wider national appeal.

In 2019, SVTT was awarded funding through Theatres Trust Theatres at Risk Capacity Building Programme, and secured additional funding through the East Salford Community Committee and Standing Together Fund. The group commissioned Colliers International, working with Foster Wilson Architects and Theatresearch, to carry out a viability study to determine the best use for the building. The viability study concluded that the theatre has potential as a multi-purpose space that includes live performance and that a phased approach to the works would most likely be needed. This would first reactivate the building frontage, including shops and bar space, with the auditorium in a viable meanwhile use as a multi-purpose space hosting events such as weddings, conferences, banquets, secret cinema, live music etc. This would allow the future of the building to be secured until funding can be found to fully restore the historic venue.

Current situation

SVTT has been campaigning to save the theatre for many years and, with Theatre Trust’s advice and support, is continuing to raise public awareness of the building and looking to broaden its engagement with local stakeholders and the local community. This includes ensuring that full information was in the public domain about the listed status of the building when the building was put for auction in December 2024, work which Theatres Trust actively supported.

With our support SVTT is strengthening as an organisation. It has been part of our Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities cohort training programme which provided an introduction to governance best practice.

While SVTT is not in a position to purchase the building at this time, its ambition for the building includes taking on a long-term lease and working towards the phased restoration and reopening of the building. Now that the building is for sale, there is uncertainty about the future ownership, but SVTT continue to work to prepare so that it is able to deliver on its ambitions should the opportunity arise.

Theatres Trust will continue to work with any future property owner and the SVTT to find a way forward for the restoration and rejuvenation of the theatre and to liaise with the council and wider stakeholders on the future of this building.

Main photo Victoria Theatre, Theatres Trust. Interior, Salford Victoria Theatre Trust