Redevelopment of the Customs House

From July 23rd to October 23rd we will be undergoing exciting redevelopment work.  This will include increasing the number of seats in the main auditorium, adding a new lift to all floors and building a link bridge to connect the Customs House with the Daltons Lane complex.

During this period we are still open for business and have an exciting and imaginative programme of events and activities for you to enjoy.  Ask at the Box Office for more details, visit the website or pick up a brochure.

We apologise for an inconvenience you may experience during your visit.

New Link Bridge

Many of you will be aware that we host events in our Community Room which is located in the building adjacent to The Customs House.  By connecting the two buildings we can offer a better customer experience when using the room and also use the space more effectively when programming the theatre, gallery and community events.  This is an exciting part of the redevelopment as it will open up a new space for us to use.

The Main Auditorium

A major part of the redevelopment will be the re-modelling of the main theatre.  Work includes relocating our lighting box and follow spots, adding a new cinema screen with Dolby Surround Sound and refurbishing all our seats.  

We will also be re-modelling the Circle to provide better sight-lines for the former ‘double B’ seats.  As part of this change we will increase our audience capacity from 401 seats (of which 36 currently have limited views) to 440, all with good sight-lines.

By changing the seating plan it will make your visit to the theatre more enjoyable and allow us the opportunity of attracting bigger and more diverse productions to the venue.

The work in the main auditorium is crucial for the continued success of your Customs House.

The Main Foyer

Work in the main foyer includes the installation of a new glass lift accessing all floors of The Customs House.  This will make visiting the venue easier for people with children, ambulent problems and disabilities.

We will also be relocating the Box Office to the main foyer; creating a vibrant and exciting entrance which will be at the heart of the building.

Other exciting developments will include adding a platform lift in the Lower Fusion Gallery allowing wheel chair users access into the Sandford Goudie Gallery.

This essential and exciting work would not be possible without the support from the following organisations.  We would like to thank:

* South Tyneside Council
* Northern Rock Foundation
* One North East
* Tyne & Wear Development

And of course…..YOU! 

On behalf of everyone at The Customs House we would like to thank you for your continued support.