Repairs underway at Alley Theatre

REPAIRS works are underway at the Alley Theatre this week ahead of its scheduled reopening in summer.

Strabane's cultural hub temporarily closed its doors at the end of September last year, following the discovery of a 'significant' water leak.

At the time, Derry City and Strabane District Council said the repair and restoration works were expected to be extensive and would require a significant drying out period in addition to the physical works, with the Railway Street theatre initially expected to close for a period of around six months.

Following further inspections and surveys, the timeframe was extended, with a full programme of events now expected to resume in September.

Council has confirmed the long-awaited repair works are beginning this week following the appointment of a contractor and approval by insurers.

The update was disclosed to councillors during a meeting of the Business and Culture committee by head of Culture, Aeidin McCarter.

"The Alley Theatre was temporarily closed following the discovery of a significant water leak within the building," she said.

"Subsequent inspections and surveys identified the need for repair and restoration works, resulting in an extended closure period to allow the scope of works to be developed and a contractor appointed.

"The works are scheduled for completion in early summer 2026.

"As a precautionary measure the theatre had previously paused taking bookings until September 2026 while the extent of the works was being confirmed.

"The building will reopen during the summer period with soft programming and a full schedule of events recommencing from September 2026 with bookings currently being taken and tickets on sale from then."

The officer confirmed hire changes at the venue, agreed by the committee in March 2025, will remain unchanged.

Strabane Sinn Féin councillor, Brian Harte, welcomed the update.

"I welcome the report and that the contractors are starting to work there to resolve those issues due to the flooding," he said.

"It's great that it's going to be open during the summer period.

"The Alley has been very, very sorely missed in Strabane and the wider area.

"As they say, you don't realise what you have until it's gone, and it's a fantastic venue that we have in the town of Strabane."