£3.7m for Watford Colosseum as part of £200m cultural quarter programme

Watford Borough Council will refurbish the Colosseum at Watford Town Hall to make it more sustainable, financially and environmentally.

A new award from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will pay for energy efficiency measures in the Grade II-listed building, first built in 1938 as the Watford Town Hall Assembly Rooms.

The council took back control of the venue from previous operator HQ Theatres, pledging to invest £5m in a major programme of renovation that includes new opportunities for local professional artists and creative community projects. 

READ MORE: Council to invest in Watford Colosseum as HQ Theatres contract ends

It is now looking to integrate the Colosseum into a £200m Town Hall quarter scheme approved in January, which aims to boost local heritage, culture and jobs. 

It will seek a joint venture development partner to convert the Town Hall into an office building and residential accommodation and "create a vibrant and attractive new neighbourhood".