Wilton's Music Hall Receives Significant Donation From SITA Trust

Wilton's receives significant donation from SITA Trust to secure Phase 1 of 3 of the Capital Project.

Wilton's Music Hall has received a £700,000 funding boost from SITA Trust for their Phased Capital Project to conserve and protect the last surviving Grand Music Hall in the world.

This grant, alongside funds already raised, mean that major works on the roofs, basement, soundproofing, ventilation and electrics can be carried out on the auditorium, where they are most needed. This work is a key step to preserving and conserving this remarkable Music Hall for generations to come.

Frances Mayhew, Wilton's Artistic Director, spoke today of this news:

"We are simply thrilled with this grant, it really has made all the difference to our Capital Project and we cannot thank SITA Trust enough. Wilton's is such an extraordinary heritage building and, a thriving cultural centre for now, that simply has to be saved. SITA Trust recognised this and this remarkable grant will mean we can complete Phase 1 of the Capital Project and save the stunning auditorium at Wilton's. This gives us confidence that we can raise the necessary funds for Phases 2 and 3 of this Project to secure the terrace houses that are our Front of House areas. We now urge everyone to step forward and help us raise the next £2.2 million needed!"

David Suchet, Patron of Wilton's Capital Project, also spoke today of this news:

"Wilton's is a place that is very dear to my heart and I am passionate about saving this wonderful building which really is unique – the only one in the world. This grant from SITA Trust is the most generous, important and tremendous boost for Wilton's. I am so looking forward to this building work starting, hopefully as early as June, knowing that Wilton's is at the start of being saved once and for all. We cannot thank SITA Trust enough for believing in Wilton's and starting to make this happen."

Jools Granville of SITA Trust said:

"We are delighted to be able to provide the £700,000 required to restore the auditorium of the World's oldest surviving Grand Music Hall. Phase 1 is a stand-alone project which will literally enable the hall to be saved and remain open, allowing heritage, arts and community activities to develop and flourish in the future. Over the past 15 years SITA Trust has been able to step in to save such important community facilities from closing thanks to governmental support for the Landfill Communities Fund - through which we are able to provide over £85 million in easily accessible and vital capital funding. We hope that this significant grant will encourage other funders to come forward to support phases 2 and 3 ultimately removing Wilton's from the Heritage at Risk Register."

Wilton's has had a colourful and rich history. From a Grand Music Hall where stars such as Champagne Charlie and Arthur Lloyd performed on stage to a local Wesleyan Mission for almost 70 years to near dereliction and now to a thriving cultural venue. It presents a year round diverse and distinct programme of live events including theatre, music, comedy, cinema and cabaret.

SITA Trust provides funding through the Landfill Communities Fund. Funding is available for projects that enhance communities and enrich nature.