Willmott Dixon Interiors completes £10m Horsham theatre refurbishment

By Danny BallPublished On: November 10th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed a £10 million refurbishment of The Capitol theatre and cinema in Horsham, upgrading the 90-year-old venue ahead of its reopening on 29 November.

Commissioned by Horsham District Council and procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework, the project is the first major refurbishment of the art deco building since 2002.

The four-storey venue covers 3,196m², with the refurbishment combining improvements to public areas with upgrades to building services. A council-led survey of residents helped identify local priorities and shape the works.

Accessibility upgrades improve facilities at Horsham theatre

The main auditorium has been reconfigured to create a more flexible space, providing seating for more than 400 people. Walls and ceilings were repaired and redecorated, alongside the installation of a new house lighting system.

The cinema rooms, bars, box office and toilets have also been refurbished. Additional toilet cubicles for women were installed to help reduce queues during intervals.

Accessibility formed a key part of the refurbishment. Revised seating arrangements provide wheelchair users and people with limited mobility with improved viewing positions and more space to sit alongside friends and family.

A new Changing Places facility has also been added, expanding the venue’s accessible facilities.

New heating and cooling system replaces ageing boilers

Alongside improvements to audience areas, Willmott Dixon Interiors upgraded the building’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

The existing gas-fired boilers, which had reached the end of their service life, were replaced with a new heating and cooling system as part of wider building services improvements.

The project generated £270,000 in Social Return on Investment through employment, training and community initiatives.

These included a Routes into Construction programme and a partnership with West Sussex Careers Hub to provide work experience for local students. Willmott Dixon Interiors and its supply chain partners also worked with young people to renovate the garden at 4TheYouth’s Horsham Youth Centre.

Adam Worrall, Managing Director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “The Capitol plays an important role in Horsham’s cultural life, bringing people together through theatre, film and live entertainment.

“Our work has focused on renewing the building while making it more accessible and comfortable for audiences. It is rewarding to see the venue ready to welcome people and continue serving the community for years to come.”

Construction project delivers £270,000 in community benefits

Cllr Tony Frankland, Horsham District Council cabinet member for wellbeing, culture and green spaces, said the project had been delivered on budget and on time, with improved accessibility and inclusion among its priorities.

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “This is a fantastic project that focused on the needs of the local community. With a tight programme of works, strong collaboration between all parties was essential.

“Working closely with Willmott Dixon Interiors and Horsham District Council, we provided early contractor engagement and strategic guidance, helping to accelerate delivery forward and ensure works were completed in time for panto season.”

The Capitol is due to reopen on the 29th November with this year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington.