With Vinci now appointed as the development partner for the second phase of the Northgate development I was given access to the Gateway Theatre to document the site for Cheshire Archives. The much loved 440 seat theatre opened in 1969 and closed in 2007. Until Storyhouse opened in 2017, this left Chester without a professional theatre for a decade.
The basement studio theatre was partially reopened as The Forum Studio Theatre where it served as the home for amateur company, Tip Top Productions for many years. Tip Top left the building in 2020. Parts of the backstage areas have also been used as workshop space and storage for artist Russell Kirk who runs the Midsummer and Winter Watch parades. The theatre, old market and forum and surrounding areas will all make way for 400 new homes.
The Council expects to consult on the plans during 2026. See more:
The Chester blog 