Former Historic Theatre Eyed for Residential Conversion

New proposals suggest the conversion of a historic former theatre into residential units. An application has been lodged with the City of Doncaster Council to redevelop the former Royal Electric Theatre, situated on Bank Street in Mexborough, into 10 apartments. This two-storey structure, although not a listed building, is located within a designated Conservation Area. Its original construction in the mid-19th Century served as a police station, prior to its transformation into a theatre in the early 20th Century. Subsequently, the premises housed various commercial ventures, such as a cinema and a casino. Its most recent use was as a Chinese restaurant, before it became unoccupied in January. The plans put forward by One Planning Ltd detail the conversion of the property into a total of ten residential units: three one-bedroom flats and seven two-bedroom apartments. A communal open space is also planned for the rear of the structure. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports that the building would undergo minor modifications, including the fitting of new doors and windows and a redesign of its exterior facade. A planning statement indicates that the project “seeks to preserve the historic detail of the building”. Furthermore, a cartouche, also known as a traditional frieze, located above the main entrance, is slated for repair and decoration. This cartouche was identified as “the most striking feature of the building” in a 2012 Mexborough Conservation Area Appraisal paper, compiled by the local authority. The document also states that the Cinema Theatre Association considered this “fine example of Edwardian baroque design” to be a “rarity nationally”. The design statement affirms that the proposed changes would “seek to preserve and enhance the historic environment of the Mexborough Conservation Area and would not be detrimental to its character”. Under the current plans, the building will not include parking facilities, with future residents anticipated to rely on public transport or cycling, owing to its central town location.