Break-in diverts vital money from restoration of Burnley Empire Theatre

Volunteers at the Burnley Empire Trust discovered that people had entered the heritage asset causing severe damage to the Grade II Listed building by forcing entry through a brick wall on the riverside.

The Trust were quick to reseal the entry point and have now permanently restored the wall, but that work has diverted money away from other restoration projects.

Burnley Empire Trust chairman Sophie Gibson said: "This discovery came as a great disappointment whilst we’ve all been working around the clock to secure funding for essential priority works, like stabilising the roof and the asbestos removal as a matter of urgency to enable proper public access.

"It takes months of preparation and work to secure funding and sadly we’ve had to spend funds that were earmarked for that all-important stabilisation and public access from previous donations.

"We understand that people want to look inside but it’s not safe which is why we made the decision to postpone our Heritage Open Day event last year, after vandalism caused wide distribution of incredibly dangerous asbestos.

"Instead of taking two steps forward with the removal progress, it feels like one step back in the grand scheme of things. Asbestos and the current condition of the building is no joke.

"People's health and safety is much more valuable than a look inside the building during its current condition."

Whilst planning out the recent repair works BET director Steve Hogg, an expert stonemason, took careful consideration of the standards required and materials needed to ensure the essential repair works were carried out in a sensitive nature, fitting in with the original stonework of the 125- year-old building.

Theatres Trust architecture adviser Claire Appleby, who has been supporting the charities progress for some time, added: "It’s devastating to hear of a break-in at the Empire.

"Not only are people putting their own lives at risk but are also, unwittingly, diverting both attention and funding away from the key task in hand – that of restoring and reopening the building for the local community.

"Burnley Empire Trust (BET) has acted swiftly in response, carrying out necessary repair works to secure the building. We appreciate that people are keen to take a glimpse inside the Empire, but urge them to be patient, give their support to BET, and allow the team to continue the great work they have been doing to ensure that the last of Burnley’s Victorian music halls is saved for the future enjoyment of all."

Last year BET commissioned a number of building condition surveys in partnership with National Trust thanks to a Heritage Resilient Grant awarded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and have since began to develop an approach towards stabilising the most vulnerable areas of the building and develop ideas for the asbestos removal though a phased approach.

Later this month BET looks forward to launching a new website and are currently developing further fundraising ideas to help with the stabilisation costs.