News: Able UK confirms £200,000 donation to boost Darlington Hippodrome’s Capital Fundraising

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Able UK confirms £200,000 donation to boost Darlington Hippodrome’s Capital Fundraising

Darlington Hippodrome is celebrating the news that Able UK Ltd has awarded the theatre a grant of £200,000 to help transform the building as part of the major £12.3 million capital works.  The generous donation will fund the new heritage seats within the theatre's auditorium helping to complete the transformation of the Edwardian building in a return to its original opulence.

Able UK is the market leader in the field of demolition and marine decommissioning and is now a significant land developer and port operator.  The funding has been made available through their LandTrust Community Fund which provides funding for projects ranging from repair of historical buildings to provision of leisure amenities and reclamation of disused land.

Peter Stephenson, Executive Chairman of Able UK said, 'As a business owned and manager in Teesside we are naturally committed to support the ongoing development of the area that has been our base for over 50 years. It is particularly pleasing to be able to be associated with such a prestigious project and one that will provide so much entertainment, and comfort, to audiences that, just like our own customers, will be attracted from far and wide.'

The regeneration, made possible by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will restore and expand the theatre, which was originally opened in September 1907 as the New Hippodrome and Palace Theatre of Varieties.

Lynda Winstanley, Director of Darlington Hippodrome, said: 'We are delighted that Able UK has chosen to support Darlington Hippodrome's restoration in this way. The backing of local partners is vital in making this project a success and we are excited to see the beautiful heritage style seating within the restored auditorium'.