Plans For Town Deal Funded Re-Development of Todmorden’s Hippodrome Theatre Move Forward With Appointment of Contractor to Start Works
Todmorden Town Deal Board is delighted to share the news that our Town Deal Partner, The Hippodrome Theatre, has now signed contracts for almost £2M of works to be undertaken for their building extension and remodelling project, “Raise The Roof”, a key part of the Todmorden Town Deal £17.5M programme of investment.
The Town Deal project at the Hippodrome aims to create a more accessible venue, with better rehearsal, exhibition, archive and performance spaces and a more welcoming and fit for purpose foyer area.
Town Deal funding has already enabled an ambition of T.O.A.D.S to bring cinema back to Todmorden for local communities to experience and enjoy, alongside the purchase and fitting out of a much needed storage space for costumes and props, improved safety and sustainability measures to the internal space and a facelift to the front of the Edwardian building through early accelerator funding from Town Deal.
Todmorden Hippodrome Theatre is the country’s largest community-owned theatre, with over 350 community members and 200 young people in its youth theatre volunteering over 73,000 hours of their time in the last 12 months.
The theatre offers an award-winning year-round programme of shows, plays and entertainment often playing to sell-out audiences. And hundreds of local residents are able to gain experience and skills in all aspects of performance and production, with participants going on to stellar careers in the creative industries, including roles in Coronation St. and running national theatre organisations.
The exciting news of the appointment of contractor, Rosslee Construction, comes following incredible fundraising success by Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (T.A.O.D.S), owners of the community led theatre, who have raised almost £1m on top of the £825,000 investment from Todmorden Town Deal.
Additional funding partners include The Community Ownership Fund, Foyle Foundation, Brelms Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Swires Charitable Trust and over £100,000 raised by volunteers and supporters at the Hippodrome Fundraising efforts will continue throughout the construction period, as members of T.A.O.D.S work to secure the remaining funds needed to complete the internal fit-out of the new spaces and to install a passenger lift providing access to all levels of the development.
Pam Warhurst, Chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board said:
“The Hippodrome Theatre is exemplary in how it engages literally hundreds of local people in coming together to make very high quality work for Todmorden audiences, but also for visitors from further afield playing an important and highly valued role in boosting the town’s local economy.
“We are thrilled the project is now moving forward in realising its vision after so much hard work and commitment.”
Helen Clarkson, Chair of Trustees, Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (TAODS) said:
“It’s incredibly exciting to finally see the construction work begin on our Raise The Roof project.
“After so many months of planning, fundraising, and community collaboration, seeing builders on site feels like a true milestone — not just for us as trustees, but for everyone who loves and supports the Hippodrome.”
“This project is about so much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a space that is inclusive, inspiring, and fit for the future — a place where creativity and community can thrive side by side. We are deeply grateful to the local people who have backed us every step of the way — through donations, volunteering, attending events, and simply cheering us on.
“Your support is what makes this possible, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to a transformed Hippodrome that you’ve helped to build. As we continue to shape the final stages of this project, every contribution — no matter the size — brings us one step closer to fully realising our vision.
“If you’re able to support the Raise The Roof campaign, now is a wonderful time to get involved and help us complete this exciting new chapter for our town’s theatre.”
Construction works are aiming to start early May this year, with an anticipated completion time of Spring 2026. The theatre will remain open throughout the works with only short periods of full closure.
To find out more about The Hippodrome Theatre and how you can get involved and support their work, visit www.todhip.org.
