Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the £10 million refurbishment of The Capitol in Horsham, with the much loved theatre and cinema set to reopen on 29 November for this year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington.

Commissioned by Horsham District Council and procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework, the project is the first major refurbishment of the 90-year-old art deco venue since 2002.

Works were shaped by a Council-led survey of local residents’ priorities and combined a refresh of public-facing spaces with essential building services upgrades across the entire four-storey, 3,196m² building.

The main auditorium has been transformed into a more flexible space, with seating for more than 400 people. Walls and ceilings have been repaired and redecorated, and a new house lighting system installed. The cinema rooms, bars, box office and toilets have also been refurbished, with additional toilet cubicles for women to help reduce queues during intervals.

Accessibility improvements include revised seating arrangements to give wheelchair users and people with limited mobility better viewing positions and more space to sit with friends and family. A new Changing Places facility has also been included in the refurbishment.

Behind the scenes, end-of-life gas-fired boilers have been replaced with a new heating and cooling system, alongside wider mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades.

The project has created opportunities to deliver wider benefits for the local community, with a focus on employment and training delivering £270,000 in Social Return on Investment. Initiatives include a ‘Routes into Construction’ programme and a partnership with West Sussex Careers Hub to provide work experience for local students. Willmott Dixon Interiors and its supply chain partners also worked with young people to renovate the garden at 4TheYouth’s Horsham Youth Centre.

Adam Worrall, managing director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said:

“The Capitol plays an important role in Horsham’s cultural life, bringing people together through theatre, film and live entertainment. Our work has focused on renewing the building while making it more accessible and comfortable for audiences. It is rewarding to see the venue ready to welcome people and continue serving the community for years to come.”

Horsham District Council cabinet member for wellbeing, culture and green spaces Cllr Tony Frankland, said:

“We are delighted with the refurbishment work at The Capitol. The professionalism and expertise of Willmott Dixon Interiors has been instrumental in ensuring that this significant project has been delivered on budget and on time whilst producing such exceptional results, ensuring that such a valuable community asset is ready to start a bold and vibrant new era.

“This project delivers benefits for everyone, from the moment they walk through the doors to the final curtain call. I am particularly proud of the emphasis that has been placed on improved accessibility and inclusion. The new facilities and improved layout will help ensure all visitors can enjoy our theatre and cinema more easily and comfortably. By appointing Willmott Dixon Interiors, we ensured social value was embedded throughout the project, resulting in meaningful support for local enterprises, skills development opportunities and community initiatives. This is a fantastic milestone for Horsham District and we now look forward to welcoming everyone back.”

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said:

“This is a fantastic project that focused on the needs of the local community. With a tight programme of works, strong collaboration between all parties was essential. Working closely with Willmott Dixon Interiors and Horsham District Council, we provided early contractor engagement and strategic guidance, helping to accelerate delivery forward and ensure works were completed in time for panto season.”

The Capitol adds to Willmott Dixon Interiors’ experience of renewing public and cultural buildings. Its previous projects include the restoration of the former Granada cinema in east London and the delivery of The Amelia Scott cultural and learning centre in Tunbridge Wells, which brought new life to an historic building.