Halstead Town Council discussing re-roofing Empire Theatre

Halstead Town Council is discussing the possibility of putting funds into helping to repair the town’s Empire Theatre roof.

The plans have been discussed previously, and the desire to re-roof the Empire was mapped out for the 2021/22 year in the Halstead Town Council Mayor and Chairman’s report from last May.

In the last council meeting, the prospect of allocating £40,000 to the replacement of the Empire Theatre roof was discussed.

During the meeting, councillor Malcolm Fincken also proposed the Empire Trust should be permitted to move forward with installing a new heating and ventilation system at the Empire Theatre, at their own expense.

This was seconded by councillor Mick Radley, with five in favour and one abstention.

Town clerk and responsible finance officer Sarah Greatorex said: “I can’t say much but what I can tell you is we are seeking quotes for the roof.

“The last time we sought quotes was two years ago, and prices have obviously gone up.

“We are very much hoping to re-roof the Empire, but we have to see what the quotes are.

“It hasn’t gone back to council yet so I can’t say much, but there will be more discussions on it in the future.”

Dementia-friendly choir workshops returned this week, with the theatre also running dementia and autism-friendly screenings too.

Halstead mayor Jackie Pell spoke on the importance of the theatre in the community.

She said: “Nothing is decided on the plans yet, but I can say I know how important it is to people.

“It has provided so much, whether that’s bingo, live shows, films, there is always something for everyone and we have always looked to maintain and keep it.

“I have just given some of my community grant to the dementia choir there, as has Radley.

“People also come from all over the district come to it.

“Over the years it has been improved a lot, it isn’t behind the times, but the roof has to be watertight obviously.”

The matter will return to the council in future meetings.