Citadel Arts Centre

The Citadel Arts Centre stands in the centre of St Helens, Merseyside, on the corner of Waterloo Street and Milk Street. The building is Victorian, originally a music hall and theatre called the Theatre Royal. It opened in 1861 with two balconies and space for over 1,300 people. The Salvation Army bought the building in 1889 and turned it into their Citadel after removing the stage and upper balcony. The name Citadel comes from this period of use. The centre has a strong musical heritage. Bands such as The Stone Roses, The La’s and The Verve played there in the 1990s. In 2002 it was voted one of the top ten jazz and blues venues in the UK by The Independent. The St Helens Choir launched in 2008 as part of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture celebrations. A major refurbishment in 2000 expanded its programme to include theatre and arts workshops. Today the Citadel offers a large programme of music, theatre and arts activities. The building still shows traces of its past, including the remains of the second balcony. The space is used for adult social care and health activities as well as arts events. After closing in 2019, it is due to reopen in September 2022 under new management.