The restoration of Chatham’s iconic Brook Theatre is officially underway, with the appointment of contractors to carry out the £21 million transformation of the 125-year-old building.

Originally opened in 1899 as Chatham Town Hall, the Grade II listed Renaissance-style landmark has served the community in various forms, most recently as a theatre since 1997. The building will now undergo a major refurbishment as part of Medway Council’s wider regeneration strategy, which places culture and creativity at the centre of the region’s future growth.

Construction firm Thomas Sinden Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the ambitious restoration project. Work is set to begin this summer and will take at least 18 months to complete, with the Brook Theatre scheduled to reopen in 2027.

"Having grown up in Medway, the Brook Theatre holds a lot of memories for me," said Graeme Sinden, Managing Director of Thomas Sinden. "I've attended concerts there over the years and even remember when it served as the council offices. It’s a real privilege for Thomas Sinden to be leading the restoration of such a beautiful and iconic local landmark. As well as preserving its historic character, we’re upgrading the building to modern standards, improving accessibility, and installing sustainable systems that will reduce its environmental impact. We're proud to help secure its future as a vibrant, inclusive venue for the whole community."

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The restoration includes a wide range of enhancements, such as:

• New and improved public and staff access, including enhanced disabled access to the entrance and inside the theatre

• Refurbishment of rehearsal, workshop, and dance studio spaces

• Upgraded dressing rooms and performance support areas

• Restoration of the theatre’s historic interiors

• New office and meeting rooms

• A fully refurbished main theatre, foyer, and studio performance spaces

• New toilets and handwashing facilities

In addition to the physical upgrades, the venue will also benefit from modern staging, lighting and sound systems, and new digital equipment to support contemporary performances.

The £21 million scheme is being funded by a combination of sources, including £6.5 million from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, £300,000 from the Future High Streets Fund, and more than £10 million from Medway Council.

Thomas Sinden's experience in heritage restoration includes high-profile projects such as St Albans Cathedral and Toynbee Hall in London, making the firm well-suited for the Brook Theatre’s transformation.

The refurbishment is part of a broader cultural vision for the area, including the council's Chatham Creative Quarters framework, which supports regeneration across four areas: the Old High Street Intra, Central, Historic Dockyard and Maritime quarters.