Page 15 - City Life Magazine - Spring 2023 Edition

www.worcester.gov.uk 15

An artist’s impression of what the
revamped Scala arts venue could look like

photography: burrell foley fischer

Exciting new arts venue for city

The planning application for an exciting new arts venue in the heart
of Worcester city centre has been submitted for approval.

The ambitious proposals would the city’s stunning 1920s venue,
transform the Angel Place area, with the aim of bringing back to Funding the new
attracting world-class arts, music, life a beautiful listed building and arts centre
and comedy acts to the city, as well transforming the cultural offering of
as giving a much-needed boost to the city, attracting many thousands of The arts centre proposals are
local businesses. new visitors to boost our economy.” part of the Government’s Future
High Streets Fund (FHSF), which
If the submission is approved, the Sarah-Jane Morgan, Chief includes £3.5 million worth of
eagerly anticipated arts centre will Executive Officer at Worcester public realm improvements to
revive the historic Scala Theatre, Theatres, said: “This is an exciting Worcester City Centre, many of
Worcester’s original 1920s cinema. step forward for Worcester and for which are already being enjoyed
Worcester Theatres. by residents.
The spectacular renovation,
centred on a 500-seat auditorium “Adding a new venue to our already- Following Government approval,
and performance area, has been popular portfolio will enable us to approximately £6 million has been
designed by architects Burrell attract new, diverse artists, acts and reallocated to the Scala project
Foley Fischer. They are behind theatre companies to Worcester.” from other elements of Worcester’s
several award-winning venues original FHSF award, the majority
across the country, including the HAVE YOUR SAY coming from proposals to
Hall for Cornwall and the Crucible The Swan Theatre will continue redevelop Trinity House, which are
in Sheffield. to operate for community theatre no longer being taken forward.
groups for the foreseeable future.
Once open, the new arts centre Those groups have suggested several A report to the City Council’s Policy
will be operated by Worcester design ideas for the Scala that have and Resources Committee in
Theatres, who also run the Swan and been adopted by the architects. December noted that the funding
Huntingdon Hall. reallocation would still leave a
Take a look at the Scala plans and shortfall of around £500,000 for
LISTED BUILDING have your say on the planning the Scala redevelopment. The City
The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor application at www.worcester.gov. Council hopes to bridge the gap by
Adrian Gregson, said: “The proposed uk/planning - search for application both public and private sector grants.
plans would see the revival of number 22/01095/FUL.

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