Investing in the Winding Wheel to improve customer experience

Visitors to the Winding Wheel will benefit from a series of improvements taking place this summer at the Chesterfield Borough Council owned venue.

Work costing £745,000 will begin on Monday 2 July to transform the foyer entrance to the building and modernise some of the facilities.

One of the key improvements will see the foyer extended into the former opticians shop next door to create a new café bar area which will incorporate an information and ticket collection point. The café bar will be open before and after shows, during intervals and for conferences or other events taking place at the venue.

The rest of the project will see toilets in the building refurbished and the auditorium and ballroom redecorated, ahead of the venue reopening in September.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member said:-

“We are very proud of the Winding Wheel and the fantastic variety of shows on offer there.

“These improvements will provide better facilities for customers before, during and after shows and for people attending conferences and other functions at the venue.”

These works complement an extensive refurbishment in 2014 which saw improvements to the power supply, a new, larger, stage to attract bigger productions, new lighting, new stage door and dressing room to improve access for performers with limited mobility and new seating in the auditorium.

Originally built as a cinema, the Winding Wheel was bought by the council and opened as a theatre, conference venue and exhibition space in 1987.

The venue has played host to prestigious shows including the West End productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Dreamboats and Petticoats and Blood Brothers, which returns this November.

To find details of shows taking place when the Winding Wheel reopens in September, or make bookings, visit www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or call the box office on (01246) 345222.