Restoration plan for Spa’s Little Theatre

A PLAN has been revealed to restore part of Scarborough’s historic Spa theatre complex following significant structural damage.

Scarborough Borough Council has lodged a planning application for works to the Grade II listed Spa complex on the town’s South Bay to allow it to make full use of the building’s Little Theatre.

Years of movement and water damage have taken their toll on the theatre. The council’s plans would see a permanent repair for the building, bringing the theatre back to its former glory.

The planning application states: “The Little Theatre at Scarborough Spa has undergone structural movement over a period of time, which has caused the failure of the structural columns supporting the roof.

“Additionally, the theatre has also suffered from water ingress, which has led to internal damages.

“The theatre now operates with restricted use and requires both waterproofing and structural support to ensure that the condition does not deteriorate further and is brought back into full use.”

The work would restore the use of the theatre’s galleries and remove temporary support structures that are currently in place.

The historic Spa in Scarborough dates back to the 18th century, and was founded upon a fashionable mineral spring. The building that now stands on the site began to take form later in the 19th century. The Little Theatre forms a wing of the Spa which was added during the late 1870s.

The restoration plans are out to public consultation.