Brook Theatre Restoration Project Tours

Meticulous restoration of the Grade II listed Brook Theatre, formerly Chatham Town Hall is now well underway and we are delighted to be able to offer a limited number of pre-bookable hard hat site tours for this years HODs. Visitors will be invited to discover the buildings fascinating history and take a behind the scenes look at discoveries on site and the challenges a restoration of this scale presents to the expert teams leading the work. Tours are planned to include spaces including the foyers and staircase, main auditorium, former Council chamber and the once hidden ornate tiled Mayors loo!
The Victorian English Renaissance style building has been revealing its many secrets over the past year from its role as a wartime hub, a town hall until the 60’s and an 80’s arts centre as well as its recent years as a popular creative venue.
We will also be sharing special daily HODs socials posts using original documents, photographs, interviews and films.
Join us to find out more about the challenge of reimagining the much-loved local landmark and making it accessible for new generations of audiences, whilst preserving its unique character.
The project is being funded by Medway Council, the UK Government Levelling Up Fund and the Future High Streets Fund. Thomas Sinden Ltd have been appointed to undertake the restoration works with architects The Bailey Partnership.

Timings

Wednesday 16 September:

2 tours available at 11.00 & 13.00

Thursday 17 September:

2 tours available at 11.00 & 13.00

Location & directions

Brook Theatre, The Brook, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4SE

Directions:

The Brook Theatre is located across the road from Chatham Bus Station and just a 10 minute walk from Chatham Railway station. The Town Hall pay and display car park is immediately behind the venue. To access the site please meet at the construction site gate to the left of the building.

Contact on day:

Medway Culture Team

Telephone number:

+441634338319

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Online pre-booking is essential and places are limited. Only suitable for adults and young people aged 11+ Visitors will be provided with hard hats and PPE. All visitors MUST wear flat enclosed footwear, anyone wearing sandals will not be able to take part. We also recommend you wear old clothing. Access to certain rooms may change as works progress.

Booking contact name:

Allison Young

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.medwayticketslive.co.uk/event/Brook-Restoration-Project-Hard-Hat-Tours

Booking opens:

19 Jun 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

15 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The Brook Theatre is a busy live building site with stairs throughout and new lifts currently under construction but unavailable, so we regret that we are unable to offer any wheelchair access or safely welcome anyone with limited mobility, visual impairment or access needs. The site is also unsuitable for babies or any children under 11.

Additional information

The tours will be led by a senior member of the Construction team accompanied by Medway Councils freelance Heritage Engagement Officer for the project.

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

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