The Kingsway Hall was built by Robert Bagshaw in 1874. Robert was the son of John Bagshaw whose ambitious plans for a Dovercourt New Town in 1851 were only partially realised in the now grade II listed Orwell Terrace. Kingsway Hall is also grade II listed and is built in the Italian style, faced with Portland cement.

The Kingsway Hall Arts and Theatre Community Trust was granted charitable status in May 1999 and has secured a ten year lease on the building with the option to purchase. This they hope to achieve with the aid of a lottery grant.

The Hall is not only perfectly constructed for its intended function as a centre for the Arts, Music and Drama, but is also ideally situated, being in the centre of Dovercourt. During the past decades the local community have lost several venues, the only one remaining being a converted Drill Hall which does not have the acoustics required for theatre and concerts. A new venue is greatly needed.

The Trust needs financial support from the local community if it is to realise its goal. In the short term the refurbishment of the building needs to be completed, the cost of additional safety work required by the local council alone is estimated at £25,000. Local individuals, groups and businesses have already donated money and support has been pledged by the local M.P. and town and district councillors.

If you would like to find out more about the trust or would like to make a donation please contact: