Brook Theatre

Restoring a heritage landmark and creating a modern cultural hub for Medway
The Brook Theatre, a Grade II listed heritage building in Chatham, is undergoing a transformative refurbishment as part of Medway Council’s wider city centre regeneration strategy.

The project aims to preserve the building’s historic character while reconfiguring and modernising its spaces to create a sustainable, accessible and inclusive cultural destination.

This scheme represents a key cultural investment for Medway, reinforcing the Council’s ambition to position the area as a vibrant hub for creativity, learning and community engagement. The theatre, long regarded as an architectural and social focal point in Chatham.

Value
Confidential
Location
Medway, Kent
Architect / Project Manager
Bailey Partnership
Form of Contract
JCT Standard Building Form
Capabilities:
Air Source Heat Pumps
CDPs
Listed Buildings
What's involved

The building’s sensitive refurbishment combines structural integrity with modern performance, rehearsal and hospitality areas to deliver a flexible, future-proof cultural venue.

When complete in 2027, The Brook Theatre will reopen as a flagship venue for the Creative Quarters programme, offering:

  • Step-free access throughout the building, with inclusive design principles at the core
  • Digitally enabled rehearsal and performance areas, supporting cutting-edge productions
  • Affordable co-working and creative studio spaces, supporting local enterprises
  • Improved public amenities, upgraded café, bar and social spaces for visitors

The project is designed to boost Medway’s evening and weekend economy, attract visitors, and support local talent through incubator facilities for creative businesses. It also aligns with Medway Council’s sustainability objectives, with energy-efficient MEP systems and improved thermal performance reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

This landmark investment will deliver a modern, accessible and culturally dynamic space while securing the long-term future of an iconic heritage asset for generations to come.

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