Construction work for Saint John theatre slated to begin this fall

The Saint John Theatre Company has unveiled its design plans for the former Sydney Street courthouse on King’s Square.

The long-awaited construction work to restore an historic Saint John, N.B., courthouse ahead of its transformation into a theatre space is set to start this fall.

The Saint John Theatre Company says the restoration work at the Sydney Street Courthouse will begin with an official groundbreaking ceremony in the fall. The structure, which was built in the 1820s, will be the future home of the Courthouse Stage and the Atlantic Repertory Company.

“This essential phase of development will focus on masonry and site preparations, with a particular emphasis on securing the exterior envelope of the building,” a release from the Theatre Company reads. “Work will target the eastern-facing rear exterior wall, which has been significantly compromised over time due to deferred maintenance and decades of water infiltration, followed by freeze/thaw cycles.”

The Theatre Company originally announced its plans to turn the courthouse into a theatrical space in 2019 and it took over ownership of the space in 2020.

The construction work will change the building into a multi-purpose performance and event venue.

“The new venue will not only retain local talent but also attract artists from across Canada and beyond, cementing Saint John’s place as a hub for creativity and culture,” the release reads. “Alongside the existing BMO Studio Theatre, this additional space will allow ARC and SJTC productions to run simultaneously, doubling the artistic offerings for the community and solidifying Saint John’s reputation as a destination for high-quality theatre.”

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