26/08/2026
The Capitol Horsham closed its doors this year to begin its first major refurbishment in more than 20 years.
Alongside transforming the theatre and cinema, a key element of the project was to deliver significant social value benefits for local people, businesses and community organisations.
When we appointed Willmott Dixon Interiors to undertake the refurbishment, a key objective was to ensure the project created a positive legacy through local employment, skills development, community engagement and sustainable supply chain practices.
Key achievements delivered by Willmott Dixon Interiors on behalf of Horsham District Council include:
- Employing a high proportion of local labour and working with small and medium-sized businesses across the area.
- Delivering a ‘Routes into Construction’ programme, helping local people learn about and access careers in the construction industry.
- Working with the West Sussex Careers Hub to provide work experience opportunities for 12 local students, giving them hands-on experience of real project scenarios and insight into a wide range of careers within the construction and design sectors.
- Utilising our Wellbeing Team to deliver health and wellbeing talks and hosting on-site health checks for employees and supply chain partners.
- Supporting 4 The Youth to improve their Horsham Youth Centre through a programme of volunteer work with supply chain partners to renovate its garden, including engaging young people in the final stages of the project. A total of 75 volunteer hours will be donated.
- Collaborating with Think Futures, the West Sussex youth careers service, to host site visits and presentations for young people exploring career pathways into construction.
Read more at: https://www.horsham.gov.uk/news/2026/08/10-million-capitol-refurbishment-delivers-lasting-benefits-for-local-community
