Lowry has renovated all 440 Quays Theatre seats after receiving £75,000 grant

The Lowry has renovated and refurbished all 440 seats of its theatre seats after receiving a £75,000 grant. 

The Salford theatre was awarded a Biffa Award grant of £74,816 in March 2024, a decision that would reupholster seating in the venue’s Quays Theatre with new padding and fabric.

The Biffa Award is a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to community and environmental projects across the UK, as part of the Government’s Landfill Communities Fund.

The decision has been made to replace the seats are almost 25 years of constant use.

The work was carried out between July and December, with seats being removed in batches and reupholstered offsite – and with the work now completed in December, theatregoers can now enjoy watching the venue’s wide range of theatre, dance, comedy and drama in comfort.

This was carefully planned around the theatres programme to minimise disruption to the more than 900,000 visitors a year at the Lowry.

The old fabric and padding was also disposed of sustainably, in some cases because repurposed where possible to minimise waste, and the new materials used meet all current guidance for safety and quality.

Following the completion Gwen Oakden, Lowry’s Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Development said: “It is so important that our audiences are able to enjoy our world-class performing arts programme in a comfortable and welcoming space.

“For many visitors to the Quays Theatre, this is their first experience of live performance – often to see a family show or as part of a school trip. We really want it to be the best experience possible, and for them to begin a lifelong relationship with Lowry.”

Gwen continued to share her apprecitation towards the Biffa Award for their generosity that has allowed the important work to be completed.

As she added: “As we head into our 25th Anniversary year, we are delighted to be able to welcome audiences and visitors can enjoy the beautiful and revived Quays Theatre.”

The new update to the facility will allow the audiences to enjoy the productions that are showcased at the Lowry.

Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award Grants Manager, added: “Through Biffa Award’s Cultural Facilities theme, we fund projects that provide engaging and inspiring spaces for communities.

“The Lowry is a key cultural venue, and we’re proud that our funding, made possible through the Landfill Communities Fund, has helped enhance the experience for visitors for years to come.”

Audiences will be able to enjoy the new Lowry facilities with their collection of shows whether its theatre, dance, musicals, music, comedy, and visual arts – more information can be found here.