Toilet Refurbishment Work Begins
Exciting changes to our Theatre
In recent years Theatre Royal Winchester has undergone a series of refurbishments and updates to improve the look and feel of our spaces and modernise the facilities, while ensuring that we preserve the beautiful heritage features that make our Edwardian-style theatre so unique.
We refurbished the downstairs bar and foyer areas, including installing bi-fold doors, and gave our Circle toilets upstairs a complete overhaul, increasing the number of cubicles available for all and featuring modern designs and personalised wallpaper showcasing who we are!
Photo: Our Foyer refurbishment began in 2019 with the main Front of House areas.
New toilets in phases
Now we’re turning our attention to our Stalls toilets downstairs – well-used, outdated and prone to maintenance issues, and in desperate need of a makeover for a while!
Last year, with the help of Winchester-based Masker Architects, we devised a plan consisting of four phases:
- Phase 1: Our former staff kitchen space will be converted into new, modern toilet cubicles for all
- Phase 2 - 4: We will revamp our existing downstairs toilets, starting with the men’s before moving onto the ladies'. Our refurbishment project will see both the current mens' and ladies' facilities being retained, with each space to feature modern, reliable and sustainable designs.
Photo: Our Stalls toilets are looking tired and are in desperate need of an upgrade.
Why do we need new toilets?
The refurbishment is necessary to:
- Create brand-new, reliable and comfortable facilities that meet the standards throughout the rest of the theatre
- Increase the number of cubicles available, to reduce the queues and waiting time – especially during busy periods
- Provide more inclusive facilities that meet everyone’s needs
- Take advantage of water-saving features and energy-efficient lighting that are kinder to the planet and will help us to reduce our carbon foot-print.
The project will involve a lot of work and money but incredibly, Phase 1 is already funded and we have you to thank! Every ticket bought includes a capital restoration levy, which goes towards the upkeep of the building – meaning every time you’ve come to see a show you’ve helped towards this first step, which will improve every future visit that you and your family and friends make!
Photo: Our Circle level toilets were refurbished in 2023 featuring personalised wallpaper showcasing who we are.
Toilets during your visit
The work will now be carried out by Appledown Projects.
We will ensure that it does not affect your visit to the theatre, which includes us choosing to work on Phase 1 first. By converting our kitchen space, we keep our existing toilets open for use while shows are on. The modern cubicles will then be ready to use as we move onto Phases 2 – 4, which will mean we will not have to close the building at any point during this project. We look forward to the completion of Phase 1 and hope that you will celebrate the results with us as the project progresses.
We are currently working hard to secure the funding for Phase 2-4 and will update in due course.
We thank you for your patience.
If you would like to invest in Phases 2 – 4, please get in touch with our Fundraising Manager, Becca Moore, by emailing becca@playtothecrowd.co.uk.
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