Legendary snooker venue looks unrecognisable in dramatic £45million facelift as stunning images released

THIS is how the Crucible Theatre could look once it has undergone a £45million facelift. Sheffield City Council has unveiled new concept images of the famous venue – home to world-class snooker every April and May as well as plays and musicals – once it has been redeveloped in four years’ time. Sheffield City Council has released concept images of the new-look Crucible Theatre Credit: supplied It’s a total transformation from what it currently looks like (above) Credit: Alamy It also features a heavily upgraded foyer area Credit: supplied There will be a new and improved kitchen and cafe area Credit: supplied The computer-generated designs – created by architect Allies and Morrison in partnership with Charcoalblue – show the proposed changes, which include a redesigned entrance and balcony overlooking Tudor Square. Other images display an upgraded foyer area and a new kitchen and café space, with the submission of a planning application likely to be late summer 2027. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Any final designs are subject to both Grade II listed building consent and planning permission approval. Government funding will be used to transform the seating configuration of the arena and create enhanced spectator facilities. The South Yorkshire theatre is set to be upgraded from 980 seats to 1500 as part of the ambitious plans. The Crucible has staged the World Snooker Championship annually since 1977 and Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan both lead the way with seven world titles each. A new 18-year deal was agreed in March between World Snooker Tour (WST) and Sheffield City Council for the flagship event to remain there until at least 2045. There is the option to extend this agreement for another five years until 2050. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS Works will take place during the time of the 2029 and 2030 World Championships, which means the tournament will have to be staged elsewhere. However, the WST hope they will only have to be away from Sheffield for one of those two years. The WST want the Crucible to become a “world-class venue” and refurbishment will see the redevelopment of backstage areas and dressing rooms, along with a new concourse for fans. Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “The Crucible has played a central role in Sheffield’s cultural identity for more than 50 years. “And I am delighted that we are moving forward with this project to ensure that this remains the case for the foreseeable future. “These new images bring the vision for its future to life showing how we can preserve both its unique atmosphere and its legacy while creating a modern, sustainable venue fit for generations to come. “This investment represents a huge vote of confidence in Sheffield’s cultural offer and city centre. “We’re taking an important step towards securing the long-term future of this world-renowned venue and the economic, social and cultural benefits it brings to our city.” Elizabeth Newman, CEO of Sheffield Theatres and Tom Bird, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, said: “We’re confident and excited that the works to come will result in a hugely enhanced building. “This is both inside and outside the auditorium, and we look forward with keen anticipation to the next phase of the design process.” Comment now