Grade II-listed Salford theatre up for auction as restoration campaign under way

A Grade II-listed ’at risk’ theatre that has been unoccupied since 2007 has been put up for auction for more than £650,000.

Salford’s Victoria Theatre will be offered to bidders in a sale taking place from December 3-4.

Pugh Auctions has listed the property as a "potentially exciting redevelopment opportunity", extending to approximately 1,753 sq metres worth of space.

But advisory body Theatres Trust, which features the Victoria on its Theatres at Risk register, has voiced concern that the advertisement "fails to mention the responsibilities and restrictions that come with owning a Grade II-listed building".

In a notice posted to its website, the organisation said: "Salford Victoria is an important heritage building, which Theatres Trust believes has the potential to be returned to community use."

The Theatres Trust said it shared the aim of Greater Manchester group Salford Victoria Theatre Trust in "creating a sustainable future" for the former entertainment venue, adding: "We hope to work with any new owner to ensure that any plans for the building respect its architectural significance and importance for the community."

Meanwhile, Save the Victoria Theatre Salford Trust responded to the revelations with a post on Facebook, assuring supporters not to "panic" and confirming it hoped to "work with any new owner, and the council, to help save the theatre".

But SVTT remained clear they wished to see the Victoria Theatre revived as "a cultural arts hub for the benefit" of the local area, and said members would "strongly oppose" any commercial redevelopment of the site that threatened the heritage of the building.

SVTT leaders meanwhile told The Stage they would be holding a free fundraising event at independent Manchester art space, Saan1, on December 3, showcasing creative work by Salford artists in the hopes of promoting a restoration project for the Victoria.

Opened in 1899, the Victoria Theatre was designed by the leading turn-of-the-century theatre architect, Bertie Crewe.

Crewe, who received training from Frank Matcham, assisted on the rebuilding of London’s Royal Court Theatre in the 1880s and is also responsible for buildings including the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow and the Piccadilly Theatre.

In recent times, his Victoria Theatre creation had been used as a bingo hall, but it closed even for this use in 2007 and has stood vacant ever since.