THE first internal image of the new arts centre being proposed for Worcester has been released.
It shows a cross-section of what the 500-seat new auditorium could look like in the new city centre-based performance arts venue.
The arts centre is at the heart of the revamp of the northern end of the city centre, which is being delivered by Worcester City Council with the support of £17.9million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
It is proposed to be created within the existing Corn Exchange in Angel Street and Scala building in Angel Place, returning the latter to its original purpose as one of the city’s main entertainment destinations.
An artist’s impression of how the restored and reopened Scala Theatre and Corn Exchange could look
The new image has been published as councillors prepare to address the next stage in the ambitious plan to create a thriving new performance arts destination in Worcester.
When they meet on Tuesday (September 6), members of the Policy and Resources Committee will be asked to give the go-ahead for a planning application to be developed for the scheme.
They will also be asked to give approval for the appointment of a construction contractor for the new arts centre, among other decisions.
A report to the committee reveals the new performance arts venue would include a 500-seat main theatre and auditorium, a 110-seat studio theatre space, eating and drinking areas, and fully accessible entrances and facilities, suitable for wheelchair-users.
Coun James Stanley, vice chair of the City Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, said: “This is an important and ambitious project for Worcester, which aims to put performance and the arts back in the heart of the city centre, providing entertainment for our communities and bringing a significant boost to our city’s growing status as a tourist destination.
“I hope the committee will back these essential next steps in bringing this inspiring vision into reality.”
It is anticipated that Worcester Theatres, which currently runs the Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall, will take on the running of the new arts centre.
Following recent stakeholder consultation events, the council will be having further meetings with community arts organisations to discuss the future of the Swan Theatre.
