Kilmister Halls Moves Closer as Queen’s Theatre Plans Progress in Burslem

Plans to transform the Queen’s Theatre in Burslem into a music and arts venue celebrating Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister have taken a significant step forward, marking a hopeful moment for one of the town’s most cherished historic buildings.

A Memorandum of Understanding has now been signed between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the IFK Legacy Community Interest Company, which will act as Project Lead. The agreement sets out a shared commitment to work together on shaping the future of the Queen’s Theatre, a landmark building that has stood at the heart of Burslem for more than a century.

IFK Legacy CIC was established to create a lasting memorial to Ian Fraser ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister in his hometown of Burslem. That ambition has already captured global attention, following the unveiling of the Lemmy statue in Burslem’s Market Place in May 2025. Created by sculptor Andy Edwards, who also created the world famous Fab Four Beatles statue, the artwork has drawn visitors from across the world to the Mother Town.

The Queen’s Theatre itself was completed in 1911 and once played a central role in Burslem’s cultural life as a concert venue and theatre. After spiralling repair costs forced its closure in 1998, the building has remained vacant for more than two decades. For many local people, it has stood as a poignant reminder of lost potential.

The long-term ambition is to restore the theatre as a music and arts venue that serves the local community. Plans focus on creating a space that supports music skills development, showcases emerging talent, and celebrates Burslem’s rock heritage alongside new creative voices.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

“The Lemmy statue has shown that our local culture isn’t about industrial history or traditional arts. Something as recent as Motörhead can bring visitors from all over the world to the heart of the Mother Town.

“The best way to protect our city’s heritage for future generations is to bring old buildings back to life with new uses.

“This agreement means we can explore ways to give Burslem a music and arts venue while breathing new life into one of the most important buildings in Burslem’s Conservation Area.”

For Burslem, the signing of this agreement represents more than a formal document. It signals fresh momentum, renewed confidence, and the possibility that the Queen’s Theatre could once again become a place of sound, creativity, and shared experience, rooted firmly in the town’s past while looking boldly to its future.