Chesterfield's new entertainment venue coming later in 2026.
Where people and stories meet. 1435 Theatre & Museum brings together entertainment and heritage under one roof, in a multi-million-pound transformation designed to delight, inform and entertain visitors.
Formerly The Stephenson Memorial Hall (home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum), the building will retain its important and varied history, while embracing innovative design to make it a must-visit destination.
Its new name, 1435, celebrates Chesterfield’s connection to ‘Father of the Railways’ George Stephenson and his ‘standard gauge’ 1435mm railway tracks.
Theatre
A contemporary theatre space ready to host live performance and cinema in the heart of Chesterfield, the extended auditorium allows for improved viewing and greater accessibility, bringing the historic building into the 21st century. The new design preserves the building’s heritage, including newly uncovered stained-glass windows which will be on display for the first time in many years. Settle into your comfortable seat and enjoy a great night out in the centre of town!
Museum
The new museum experience invites you into Chesterfield’s story, with themed galleries and displays throughout the building. Here objects from the museum’s collection reveal the town's growth and the people who made it happen. From the Romans to the present day, from the functional to the decorative, discover what made Chesterfield the place it is today.
1435 Panto - Beauty and the Beast on sale now!
Volunteer
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed people to be part of the volunteering team for 1435. It’s a chance to share your passion for arts and heritage, while giving something back to the local community. If you enjoy meeting new people and being social, join our friendly volunteer team and we'll support you on your volunteering journey to start welcoming visitors into our newly renovated theatre and museum spaces.
Welcome Desk and Box Office
Here, customers can buy tickets for events at 1435 and the Winding Wheel Theatre, purchase items from the gift shop, and get up‑to‑date information about the venue and its services. The team can answer questions about opening times, facilities and upcoming activities, as well as point visitors towards different areas of the building and offer support when needed. This space is designed to make every visit smooth, enjoyable and well‑informed.
Stalls and Circle Bars
Make the most of your visit with pre‑show and interval drinks in our inviting bar areas. They offer a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for catching up with friends, with striking displays of museum objects that bring an added layer of interest to your theatre experience.
Gift Shop
If you’re shopping in Chesterfield or visiting 1435 for a show or exhibition, don’t miss a chance to browse our beautiful gift shop. Full of creative inspiration, it’s a great place to pick up a gift, handcrafted by a local maker, or to treat yourself. The shop caters for different budgets, from pocket money fun to something truly unique. Special merch will be on sale for selected events, so you can take a bit of the magic home!
Venue Hire
Coming soon: Host your next event in our distinctive cultural venue, ideal for community groups, businesses and private celebrations. Choose from flexible meeting rooms, our light-filled link gallery, or hire our impressive auditorium for conferences, presentations or performances. And, best of all, you can enjoy time exploring the museum, or you can add a visit to a theatre performance. With professional support and inspiring surroundings, we’ll help you create an event your guests will remember.
Access
Accessibility is at the centre of the venue’s design. A lift serves all levels and there is a Changing Places toilet. Wheelchair users can book dedicated spaces in both the stalls and the circle. There is also a designated space for an assistance dog in the circle. Relaxed, signed and audio described performances, plus subtitled and audio described films, will return. The museum will offer audio narration of exhibitions. These are just a few access enhancements with more to follow.
Final venue details may be subject to change. Artist impressions supplied by Bauman Lyons.
