"Beloved” Portsmouth theatre gets bumper £450,000 to secure its future
Portsmouth theatre gets £450,000 funding boost
A “beloved” Portsmouth theatre is set to receive a bumper £450,000 as part of government funding to secure its future.
Theatre Royal Portsmouth in Guildhall Walk has been awarded the boost as part of the £1.5bn Arts Everywhere Fund to support cultural infrastructure across the country and improve access to arts, heritage and cultural spaces locally.
The announcement comes amid Portsmouth’s push to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2029, for which it has now been longlisted.
The theatre is among 14 cultural venues, local museums and libraries in the south east to benefit from a £12.6m funding boost, helping to ensure that everyone can access arts and culture in the places they call home.
Across the country, 130 cultural venues, museums and libraries are receiving support through this latest round of funding, helping to protect valued community spaces and ensure they remain open and accessible for future generations.
Richard Pearce, CEO of Portsmouth Theatres, said: "This funding represents a hugely important investment in the future of Theatre Royal and the communities we serve. It allows us to build on our mission to create inspiring cultural experiences, nurture local talent, and ensure that theatre remains accessible to everyone. We are incredibly grateful for this support and excited about the opportunities it will unlock for Portsmouth.
“Through this investment, Portsmouth Theatres will enhance its creative programme, expand community outreach, and improve facilities, ensuring that Theatre Royal continues to play a pivotal role in the city’s cultural landscape.
“This significant award will enable Portsmouth Theatres to continue its commitment to delivering high-quality cultural experiences while strengthening its role at the heart of the local community. The funding will directly support improvements and initiatives at Theatre Royal, ensuring it remains a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive space for audiences and artists alike.”
Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said: “The Theatre Royal Portsmouth has long been a vital part of our city and its culture. This and other local arts spaces are the heart of our community, helping to inspire Portsmouth’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029.
“I welcome the announcement of £450,000 funding towards this beloved theatre, having long campaigned for investment in the heart of our city. I know this will ensure the theatre is able to continue to serve local people for years to come.
“After years of underinvestment, this Labour government is backing our cultural institutions and recognising the vital role they play in our city’s communities.”
The funding announced is part of three national schemes. These are the Creative Foundations Fund, supporting theatres, galleries and music venues with essential infrastructure; and the Museum Estate and Development Fund, helping local museums protect heritage buildings and collections. The other scheme is the Libraries Improvement Fund, upgrading library buildings and technology to better serve communities.
Labour’s culture secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Across the country, people take real pride in where they come from. Our local arts, museums and libraries are a big part of that, telling our stories, reflecting who we are, and bringing communities together.
“That’s why our Arts Everywhere Fund matters. We’re backing the places people care about most, with support for 130 venues across the country announced today.
“Arts and culture aren’t a luxury for a privileged few. They are for everyone, everywhere. They bring people together, open doors, and support our shared sense of belonging. That’s the role they can play as we build a stronger future for our country.”
Hazel Edwards, south east area director, Arts Council England, said: "We are proud to support this new wave of investment through the Museum Estate and Development Fund, the Libraries Improvement Fund, and the Creative Foundations Fund.
“These programmes are strengthening the cultural infrastructure that communities rely on every day, from vibrant local libraries and much‑loved museums to the creative organisations that bring imagination and innovation to our towns and cities.
“This funding will help safeguard historic buildings, modernise essential public spaces, and ensure that cultural organisations can continue to thrive, adapt, and inspire.
“By investing in the foundations of our cultural lives, we are helping to secure a more sustainable, more accessible, and more creative future for people across the South East and beyond.”
Theatre Royal Portsmouth is currently undertaking major roof works to stop water ingress that now threatens the building’s long-term viability. A recent condition survey identified serious issues, including rotten roof timbers, failing slates and gutters, damaged parapets and gulleys, and resulting damp, mould and ceiling deterioration.
These problems risk structural instability and further damage to the historic fabric. The project will replace the roof and make the building fully watertight, protecting this important cultural venue. While scaffolding is in place, solar panels will also be installed to strengthen both financial resilience and environmental sustainability.