Burnley Empire Theatre is receiving a share of a grant after it has been deemed at risk of closure due to years of neglect and issues with ownership.

The Theatres Trust, the national advisory body for theatres, has announced the first round of grants will be awarded to seven theatres across the UK through its new Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme.

The programme aims to reduce threat to theatres and help the at risk theatres recover from the pandemic and deal with challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.

The Burnley Empire, built in 1894, was put on the ‘Risk Register’ in 2006 after the upper level of the building became damaged from water penetration, and the actual ownership of the building split causing complications with planning applications and approval.

After fears the historic significance of the theatre was not being understood, a local campaign group (now Burnley Empire Trust), a coalition group and an anonymous donor rallied to save the theatre from being purchased by a buyer who planned to demolish the building in 2018.

However, Theatres Trust says the Empire is still in dire need of restoration before it can reopen to the community and has awarded £12,000 funding for a condition report and 3D laser scan survey of the building to prevent any more damage for happening.

A spokesperson for Burnley Empire Trust said: “We would like to thank Theatres Trust for funding our next phase of works that include a condition report and 3D laser scan survey.

“We've been busy behind the scenes and on site this year with lots of very exciting progress at the Burnley Empire and more updates to share.”

Theatres Trust director, Jon Morgan said: “We believe every theatre on our Theatres at Risk list has the potential to be returned for use by their communities, providing performance venues of types currently lacking in their local areas and bringing much needed footfall to town centres.

“We are pleased to support these theatres with projects that will help each theatre move a step closer to their ultimate goal.”

The theatres to receive a share of the £60,000 fund are Burnley Empire, Derby Hippodrome, Doncaster Grand, Margate Theatre Royal, Morecambe Winter Gardens, Salford Victoria and Tameside Hippodrome.

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We welcome the great news that seven resilience grants have been allocated by the Theatres Trust to special but at risk theatres across the UK.

“We are delighted to work in partnership with the Theatres Trust with a grant of £249,000, which alongside funding from the Pilgrim Trust and Swire Charitable Trust, ensures that communities can consider how these important theatre buildings, so central to their communities and places, have support and funding to plan towards their future.”