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Refurbished theatre taken on by new owners

Aimee Dexter
BBC News, Hertfordshire
Simon Jacobs Outside view of the Colosseum which has five dark brown double doors that are the entrances to the theatre. Above the doorways is a sign which says Colosseum in gold writing. Simon Jacobs
The Watford Colosseum has been handed over to its new owners following initial renovation work by the borough council

A theatre that is undergoing a £16m refurbishment has been handed over to its new owners.

AEG Presents UK officially took over the Watford Colosseum in Hertfordshire from Watford Borough Council following the completion of building work.

Steve Homer, CEO of AEG Presents UK, said: "This venue has huge potential, and we're confident it will attract incredible talent and become a much-loved home for live entertainment in the region."

After additional work, the theatre was expected to open in August with a gig by Ocean Colour Scene and special guest P.P. Arnold.

Simon Jacobs Two people are standing on a ledge alongside seating in a theatre. Behind them are rows of seating and a stage in the background. A lady is standing on the left wearing a black blazer and T-shirt, with grey trousers, and has long dark hair and smiling towards the camera. A man, wearing a grey suit, is standing on the right and has short brown hair and glasses, and is looking at the camera smiling.Simon Jacobs
Watford Borough Council finished building work before handing over the building for the next phase of work

The refurbishment was part of the Town Hall Quarter regeneration project by the local authority, working alongside Morgan Sindall Construction.

As part of the refurbishment, a new stage was installed, the bar area was revamped, accessibility improvements were made, and the original main entrance was reopened.

AEG Presents UK will fit lighting, add furnishings and install equipment under the next phase of works.

Mr Homer added: "The council's investment has created a brilliant venue that blends heritage with modern capability, and we're excited to begin the fit-out process."

Simon Jacobs A corner of a room which has a work top which goes from one side of the room to another. There are multiple shelves at the back of the wall, and a door to the right of the room. Simon Jacobs
The multi-million-pound renovation has included work on a new stage area and bar area

Some of the acts to take the stage from August included Jake Bugg, The Stranglers, and David Essex.

Lisa Mart, general manager at the Colosseum, said: "The collaboration with Watford Council and the local business community has been an incredibly positive experience.

"We look forward to the launch when we open our doors officially on 29 August and are so proud to open such an amazing venue."

The 10-year Town Hall Quarter programme included eight interlinked projects, which the council said were designed to bring investment, culture, and opportunity to the town.

Peter Taylor, Mayor of Watford, said: "This is a major step forward in bringing first-class, live entertainment to Watford.

"This has been a key priority for us, and I'm delighted to see the venue ready for its next chapter."

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