Cambridge Arts Theatre Trust has received a grant of £250,000 from Garfield Weston Foundation, a significant contribution towards helping realise the next phase of the Theatre’s major redevelopment project.
Following the successful completion of Phase One, which saw the transformation of the main auditorium and backstage areas, we are now progressing plans to create a new 200-seat studio theatre. The proposed development will be built on the Theatre’s roof, replacing the existing offices and the former Roof Garden Restaurant.
Designed as a flexible performance space, the studio theatre will support the creation of new work and enable deeper community engagement, opening up more cultural opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds within Cambridge and the surrounding region.
Sir Richard Dearlove, Chair of Cambridge Arts Theatre Trust said:
“I am deeply grateful to Garfield Weston Foundation for their generosity and investment in Cambridge’s cultural future. Their support will enable us to expand and diversify our programme, increase access for artists and audiences, deepen opportunities for young people and community participation, and create the conditions for new forms of creativity to flourish in our vibrant city.”
Garfield Weston Foundation is a family founded grant-maker supporting charities operating in a wide variety of sectors across the UK that make a positive difference within their communities. The Foundation – winner of Best Grant Maker in this year’s Grant Making Charity Foundations & Trusts Benchmarking Survey – has awarded grants totaling nearly £1.7billion since its establishment in 1958, including almost £130million to 2,967 charities in 2024-2025 alone.
This latest grant marks an important step forward in the Theatre’s vision to create a building fit for its future, broaden its artistic and community offer and deepen its impact, ensuring it remains a vital part of Cambridge’s cultural life for generations to come.
We are sincerely grateful to Garfield Weston Foundation for its support at this pivotal moment in the Theatre’s transformation.
Click below to find out about our redevelopment vision and how you can support us:
