02 Oct 2025
The first phase of a £277,000 transformation of the Alban Arena’s seating is now complete – with new circle seats unveiled to audiences this week.
Representatives from theatre owners SADC, together with theatre operator Everyone Active and Alban Arena Patron Bob Golding have marked the milestone.
A total of 385 seats in the circle have now been replaced, upholstered in red velvet with cushioned armrests and including contoured foam cushions on a high-density birch base – offering West End levels of comfort and quality.
Some of the previous framework and bolts dated back 57 years, while others were loose banquet-style chairs that remained from when the venue was known
as the City Hall and hosted mayoral dinners.
The circle seating layout remains the same, so existing ticket holders will not see any change to their seat numbers, but the old blue carpet has been replaced with a neutral-tone tile that helps absorb sound to improve the overall theatre experience.
The work forms part of a joint investment by Everyone Active and SADC. The second phase of the project is due to take place next summer, when the remaining 500 seats in
the stalls will be replaced along with the tiered bleacher system.
This next stage will also bring in LED aisle lighting and create more flat-floor spaces for wheelchair users. Once complete, the Arena’s overall capacity will rise from 850 to 902.
Area contract manager at Everyone Active Steve Cox said: “These new seats are a huge improvement and will make a real difference to audiences. They’ve been carefully chosen to combine comfort and durability, matching the high standards you’d expect to find in the country’s top theatres.”
Alban Arena Patron, actor and comedian Bob Golding, said: “The Alban Arena has always been close to my heart and it’s fantastic to see this investment in its future. The circle seating looks amazing and I know audiences are going to love the new level of comfort when they come to shows.”
Cllr Helen Campbell, chair of SADC’s public realm committee, added: “I am really impressed by the first phase of improvements and am sure our residents will be, too. It will make watching an event at the Arena an even more enjoyable experience.
“This is also a demonstration of the council’s commitment, together with our partner Everyone Active, to maintain the Alban Arena as one of Hertfordshire’s premier entertainment venues.”
