The Capitol Horsham closed its doors on 4 January as it prepared for a major refurbishment – its first for over 20 years.
The good news is that the refurbishment work is all progressing to plan and is well on track to be completed by November 2026, just in time for the panto season.
All the seating has now been removed from the main auditorium and scaffolding has been installed, enabling contractors to access all surfaces to safely install a new house lighting system and start work on full repairs and redecoration of the walls and ceilings. The gallery bar and ground floor bar, cinema rooms and WCs have also all been stripped out. Even the revolving front door has been removed.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Wellbeing Culture and Green Spaces Cllr David Skipp, said: “This refurbishment marks a really exciting time for us.
“Our contractors Willmott Dixon Interiors have been on site for just over a month and we are really pleased with the massive amount of progress being made with all the planned works well underway.
We are confident that we are on schedule for our grand re-opening in November, well in time to host our 2026 panto Dick Whittington.
“Keep looking out for regular updates on our progress.”
After the 10-month closure, people from across the Horsham District will be set to enjoy an improved theatre and cinema experience . The Capitol was last refurbished in 2002, and after more than 20 years this next round of planned works will refresh key public areas, improve comfort, and create an even more enjoyable experience for the thousands of residents and visitors who come through The Capitol’s doors each year.
The refurbishment will significantly enhance the overall experience for customers, with improvements across the theatre, cinema screens, seating, auditorium spaces, bar and public areas, creating a modern, welcoming and high-quality environment. All of the toilets will be refreshed with more facilities being provided for women, in order to reduce queue times during intervals.
There will be significant improvements for people with disabilities. A Changing Places facility will be created, and additional seating arrangements for wheelchair users and customers with limited mobility which will give them a more accessible viewing position and increased space to sit with friends and family.
Additionally, behind the scenes we will be improving the plumbing and heating and replacing the boilers.
The plans ensure The Capitol will remain a leading venue for many years to come.
A temporary box office in Swan Walk Shopping Centre is now open and tickets for next year’s panto Dick Whittington are already on sale and selling fast, so book now and don’t miss out!