Exciting news for theatre lovers! The Lowry’s Quays Theatre has undergone a stunning transformation, with all 440 seats refurbished, thanks to a generous Biffa Award grant of £74,816. This much-needed revamp ensures that audiences can continue to enjoy performances in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
A Major Investment in Comfort and Quality
After nearly 25 years of constant use, the seating in the Quays Theatre was in need of a refresh. The grant, awarded under Biffa Award’s Cultural Facilities theme, has enabled the venue to reupholster the seats with new padding and fabric, ensuring that they meet current safety and quality standards. The refurbishment took place between July and December 2024, with the seats removed in batches to minimize disruption to the theatre’s programme.
Notably, The Lowry took a sustainable approach to this project, ensuring that old materials were disposed of responsibly, with repurposing efforts in place where possible to reduce waste.
Enhancing the Audience Experience
For many visitors, the Quays Theatre is their first introduction to live performance, whether through a family outing or a school trip. Gwen Oakden, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Development at The Lowry, highlighted the significance of the refurbishment:
“It is so important that our audiences are able to enjoy our world-class performing arts programme in a comfortable and welcoming space. We really want it to be the best experience possible, and for them to begin a lifelong relationship with The Lowry. As a registered charity, without the generous support of this Biffa Award, for which we're hugely grateful, we couldn't have carried out this important work for our audiences.”
As The Lowry approaches its 25th anniversary, this refurbishment marks a significant milestone, ensuring that the venue remains an inviting space for visitors for years to come.
A Proud Partnership with Biffa Award
Biffa Award has been a champion of community and environmental projects since 1997, awarding over £189 million to initiatives that make a tangible difference across the UK. The Lowry’s refurbishment aligns perfectly with Biffa Award’s mission to enhance cultural and recreational spaces.
Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award Grants Manager, shared her enthusiasm for the project:
“We are delighted to have supported The Lowry in refurbishing the Quays Theatre seating, ensuring audiences can continue to enjoy performances in comfort. 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.”
Looking Ahead
With its refreshed seating and ongoing commitment to artistic excellence, The Lowry continues to be a beacon of creativity and culture in Salford. As the venue enters its 25th year, audiences can look forward to enjoying theatre, dance, comedy, and drama in a beautifully revitalised setting.
For more information and upcoming performances, visit www.thelowry.com.
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