Our Redevelopment

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Join us as Cambridge Arts Theatre Trust embarks on the most ambitious transformation of our theatre in its history.

CAMBRIDGE NEEDS THE ARTS

We are undergoing an ambitious redevelopment of our theatre – a once-in-a-generation project that is not only transforming our physical space, but also reimagining how we connect with our audiences, artists and the community.

Thanks to an extraordinary gift from Lord David and Dame Susie Sainsbury through the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, we have completed the first phase of our redevelopment and refurbished our main auditorium, improving audience experience and backstage facilities.

Follow our journey below for a behind-the-scenes look at the building works as we deliver the second phase of our redevelopment and set in motion a bold new vision for the arts in Cambridge.

PHASE ONE: THE MAIN HOUSE

Currently underway, the first phase includes a complete refurbishment of the auditorium and backstage areas – bringing them up to the highest modern standards while retaining the innate character of the space loved by those who know the theatre. We will:

Install new seating and reconfigure the layout to improve sightlines, circulation and safety.
Provide a beautiful new curved balcony, improve the acoustics of the auditorium, and reinstate some of the original finishes.
Modernise technical and backstage equipment, including sustainable air conditioning and lighting systems.
Upgrade the front Peas Hill entrance to improve visibility and access.

AuditoriumVisual2 — Architectural render of The Arts Theatre's refurbished main auditorium.

Redevelopment_Studio1 — Architectural render of The Arts Theatre's new studio theatre.

PHASE TWO: A STUDIO THEATRE FOR THE FUTURE

Once the works on the main auditorium are complete, we have ambitious plans to build a new 200-seat studio theatre on our building’s roof, a versatile new space for smaller-scale productions, community events and activities. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to programme exciting and ambitious new work, support emerging theatre-makers, and to invest in the cultural life of our city for generations to come.

Designed for artists, built for audiences, this is more than a redevelopment - it’s the future of The Arts in Cambridge.