Historic England has designated the theatre a Grade II* listed building.

The Mechanics' Institute was built 1854–55 to a design by Todmorden architect James Green.

[2] As the town grew, the institute increasingly became a social and cultural community centre.

[3] Burnley Borough Council bought the building in 1959 and leased it to companies for a variety of leisure purposes.

[3][4] Burnley Mechanics was designated a Grade II* listed building by Historic England on 29 September 1977.