11 September 2026 : KEITH WILLIAMS ARCHITECTS SUBMITS PLANS TO TRANSFORM THE CONCORDIA THEATRE HINCKLEY, LEICESTERSHIRE 

Keith Williams Architects has submitted plans for the renovation and expansion of the Concordia Theatre in Hinckley, Leicestershire

Overview

The Concordia Theatre is set within a cluster of three repurposed 19th century red brick former garment factory buildings originally built by hosiery company Murcutt, Goode & Eady. It first opened its doors in 1972 as a volunteer run community theatre organisation and is now home to 9 different performing arts groups. 

The Concordia’s three building estate comprises the current 390+ seat theatre, stage house and flytower, a scenic workshop, rehearsal spaces, backstage, costume and props stores, green room, bars and foyers. 

The central building containing the auditorium at first floor level has been much altered and extended over time, whilst the two flanking former brick warehouses containing the theatre scene workshop, main bar and theatre studio, retain more of their original character.

Under the title Project 2030, the application includes:

  1. the transformation of the theatre focusing on improving access, comfort, seating and sightlines, with a marginal seat number increase to 400+
  2. the opening up of the theatrical space to reveal the huge existing timber industrial roof trusses to transform the character of the room
  3. the extension and remodelling of the flytower, backstage and substage
  4. improving sustainability and the energy profile of the building
  5. the addition of a new frontage to the central auditorium building
  6. the creation of a new public forecourt and enhanced public realm 

The carefully evolved approach to scale, form, proportion, materiality, industrial heritage and context, is intended to achieve a holistic approach to the Concordia estate. It will set up the key central auditorium building with its new public forecourt, as a rejuvenated landmark within Hinckley town centre, and if consented, the strategy will finally give the Concordia the physical and architectural prominence it needs as one of the Hinckley’s key cultural assets.

Keith Williams commented…

”This is a really intriguing project which continues our long lineage of work of  creating or adapting performing arts buildings. At the Concordia, we have sought to achieve an integration of historic industrial fabric and contemporary performance infrastructure. Our designs set out clear strategies for deep retrofit and renovation as a part of our transformation of this raw, robust cluster of former industrial buildings, updating and modernising the home of the Concordia Theatre.

The designs have evolved in positive dialogue with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and if consented will revitalise the Concordia Theatre for the decades ahead ”

Andy Chamberlain Trustee for the Hinckley Concordia Association commented

”This is a really thrilling start to the next chapter of the Concordia Theatre, that started with a derelict Victorian Hosiery factory and a vision to provide a permanent dedicated theatre for the town of Hinckley. will ensure the Concordia will continue to entertain the local community for many years to come.”

Consultants working with KWA on the project include:

Structural Engineer : Webb Yates

MEP & Sustainability : Webb Yates

Principal Designer : Ark H&S Consultants

Fire Consultant : Loren Hughes

Arboriculturist : MHP

Ecology : Ecology by Design

QS : PMP Consultants

The project has already begun to feature in the media

e-architect

https://www.e-architect.com/england/concordia-theatre-hinckley-leicestershire-building