Electric Theatre FAQs

What is The Electric Theatre?

The Electric Theatre is a community arts venue in Guildford. The building was originally an electricity works and was converted into a theatre and performing arts space in 1997. 

Who owns The Electric Theatre?

Guildford Borough Council owns the theatre, which is also registered as an Asset of Community Value. A fresh application (as the listing only lasts 5 years) has been made and is being considered by the Council.

What does the registration of the building as an "Asset of Community Value" mean?

The listing of a building as an Asset of Community Value ensures that if the building owner wishes to sell the asset, it's obliged to notify the community group that registered the application and prohibits a sale for 6 months to allow the community group to raise the money to bid. The building owner is not obliged to sell the asset to the community group nor discount the price.  

Why is the future of The Electric Theatre being discussed? 

The lease on The Electric Theatre was surrendered back to Guildford Borough Council in August 2025 and the property is vacant. As the owner of the building, we need to decide on the future of the building. 

What is the condition of the building?

Early indications show that the building has some physical condition issues that need attention. However, the overall condition is reasonable taking into account the building's age and general wear and tear. We are working to make sure that the current condition is being maintained.

What needs to be done before the building can be used again?

To help us to better understand the likely works needed and costs involved to make the building safe, compliant, and ready to allow future occupation, we need to conduct a full condition survey, including:

•  internal condition assessments 
• lift checks and any fault diagnosis
• plumbing and leak detection 
• fire alarm and detection system testing 
• ventilation checks

How can residents and businesses influence what happens to The Electric Theatre?

We've been involving residents and stakeholders in exploring options to secure the future of the much-loved Electric Theatre. We know how important it is to our community, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to thrive. 

Last year people completed a survey that we produced and came to the pop-up events around Guildford. The feedback we gathered was used at a roundtable organised for invited stakeholders and partners to consider next steps and review the ideas that have been shared.  

Where can I see the results of the survey?

This infographic provides the highlights of the survey. (PDF, 290 KB). More details of the survey will be published in the report that goes to the Executive later this year.

What was the purpose of the roundtable?  

The purpose of the roundtable was to create a space for constructive discussions about the future of The Electric Theatre as a community theatre/arts venue.  It was about understanding how local communities, stakeholders, and the arts community view the theatre, and for us to collectively identify the key priorities and principles that could shape its future use. 

Who was invited to the roundtable?

The roundtable brought together a diverse group of stakeholders and local partners, including:

• organisations that have used the theatre in the past
• representatives from similar venues in our area
•  representatives from Guildford's arts and cultural sector
• Council officers and the Leader of the Council

Our aim was to ensure a wide range of voices were heard while keeping the group focused and productive. 

What was discussed at the roundtable? 

Highlights to be added after the event.

What happens next?

Following the roundtable, the independent facilitator is preparing a report summarising the discussions. This, together with the community survey findings and assessments of the condition of The Electric Theatre, will be included in the reports being considered by the Executive later this year.

Who will make the decision on what happens to The Electric Theatre?

The formal decision on what happens to The Electric Theatre ultimately rests with Guildford Borough Council's Executive. This is the body responsible for making this decision on behalf of Guildford Borough Council.

When will a decision about the future of the theatre be communicated?

The timetable for the Executive to make its decision may be affected by the pre-election period. This runs from late March until close of polling for elections to the shadow authority for the new unitary council on 7 May. During this period, we are limited in what decisions we can make, and we must comply with those rules.

Have you already decided who will get the contract or lease for The Electric Theatre?

No decisions have been made about the process or timeline. The Executive will review all options before deciding on the future of The Electric Theatre.

Would the Council consider running the theatre itself?

We're not in a position to run the venue ourselves. Operating a theatre needs specialist skills and experience that we do not have. Building this capability would take considerable time and investment. This is not realistic within the timelines we are working to.  

When can interested organisations and groups submit proposals for the theatre?

There are several possible options for how we secure an occupier. We are taking advice from our legal and purchasing teams before the Executive makes any decisions. Our goal is to make sure that the final process we choose is:

•  fair
•  transparent
•  compliant with all the regulations that apply

How will we hear about any tender or lease requirements?

Once we agree our approach and are ready to move forward, we'll publicise full details. This will include:

•  how organisations can formally express interest
•  what criteria we'll use to score proposals