Hope Mill Theatre expands Manchester venue and reopens community hub

MCRJourno

Hope Mill Theatre has announced major expansion plans, including the return of its award-winning community hub, as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations.

The venue has launched a fundraising campaign to help support the redevelopment.

The community hub, which closed in early 2024 due to rising costs, will be relocated and reopened within the Hope Mill building.

Previously based on Pollard Street, the hub was home to outreach programmes like the Theatre School, Community Choir and Orchestra, and Play Reading Club.

It was also used by local charities, community groups, and theatre companies for rehearsals and events.

The new space will be housed in the front of the building, doubling the venue’s square footage.

Hope Mill Theatre currently occupies the rear ground floor of the 200-year-old mill in Ancoats.

The expansion will add accessible dressing rooms, backstage toilet facilities, a large community room, a dance studio, rehearsal spaces, and additional office areas.

Creative workspace and studios will be shared with AWOL Studios, Hope Mill’s longtime neighbours.

Co-founder and CEO William Whelton said closing the hub was a tough but necessary decision at the time.

Despite the closure, outreach programmes have continued in temporary locations across the area.

Whelton said the team is excited to bring all community work under one roof again.

"The new space will be connected through our current bar area and allow us to expand with more rehearsal and office facilities," he said.

"Celebrating 10 years, we could never have imagined how far Hope Mill would come. We now have the opportunity to grow in our current building - and it just feels right."

The theatre is seeking support through both corporate sponsorship and individual donations.