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Horsham District Council has appointed Willmott Dixon Interiors to deliver the first major refurbishment of The Capitol theatre in more than 20 years.
Work is underway to refresh key public areas, enhancing the theatre and cinema experience at one of the district’s most cherished cultural venues.
Last refurbished in 2002, The Capitol will benefit from improvements across the theatre, cinema screens, auditorium, toilets, bar areas and box office. Seating will be upgraded, while new layouts will improve viewing positions for disabled visitors, enabling them to sit alongside friends and family.
The scope includes mechanical, electrical and plumbing works to support the new design and decorative works to improve the appearance of front of house areas and the building’s external façade. The Capitol is expected to re-open in late 2026.
Procured via the SCAPE Construction framework, the project will prioritise local employment and training opportunities, including work experience for students, as well as support for community groups through volunteering and donations.
Adam Worrall, Managing Director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Horsham District Council on a project that will significantly enhance a much loved public asset. The refurbishment will deliver a more attractive, welcoming and accessible space, while supporting environmental sustainability and providing long-term value for the local community.”
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Green Spaces, Cllr David Skipp commented: “The Council is delighted to be working with Willmott Dixon on this landmark refurbishment of The Capitol. This investment will secure the theatre’s future as a first-class destination for film, live performance, family entertainment and cultural events for the future.
“It is especially pleasing to see such good early progress, giving us confidence that the project will be delivered on schedule and to the highest standard.”
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: “The Capitol Theatre is a much-loved and highly valued community asset at the heart of Horsham, and we are proud to be working alongside Horsham District Council and our partner Willmott Dixon Interiors to deliver its refurbishment. This is a complex project, with careful programming essential to maintain the theatre’s busy schedule. Through the SCAPE Construction Framework, we will help accelerate delivery while providing the Council with certainty on time, cost and value.”
The project builds on Willmott Dixon Interiors’ track record in public sector refurbishment. Recent examples include the c.£30 million restoration of the former Granada cinema in east London, alongside earlier work at Brent Civic Centre in Wembley Park and The Amelia Scott, a £21 million cultural and learning centre in Kent.
