A theatre thriving thanks to an increased number of visitors has announced its expansion with a new arts and community hub.
Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre plans to transform the former TK Maxx unit at Friary Retail Park into a thriving exhibition, rehearsal and performance space.
HEART of Stafford (Hub of Entertainment, Art, Recreation and Theatre) will run for an initial three-month period, that may be extended in the New Year.
Technical staff are set to install seating, temporary staging and PA equipment on the ground floor of the former fashion store while the first-floor mezzanine will be available as an exhibition area for local artists and community groups for free.
The Eastgate Street theatre has enjoyed a successful year, with audiences and footfall approaching record levels. Advance sales for this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, have been described as ‘huge’ and other shows have been selling out.
General Manager Gary Stevens said: “It’s been an incredibly busy year at the Gatehouse and we are running out of space to host all the events and productions that want to come to us.
“The unit has great facilities, excellent lighting and good parking right outside, so when it became available it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.
“It will be open to anyone and everyone who wants to come and use it.
“We will make use of it for our regular dance classes and Youth Theatre work, as well as rehearsals for larger productions. But really, it’s a blank canvas for groups in Stafford borough to use.”
He added: “The Gatehouse is the biggest arts and culture venue in the area. We are enjoying a great year and this is a way we can put something back into the community by breathing new life into a prominent empty building and offering it out to any groups that want to use it.”
Stafford MP Leigh Ingham congratulated the theatre on the move and added: “This is the best news and I can’t wait to see what the space becomes.”
The project has been arranged as part of a national initiative by the national charity Hypha Studios, which makes use of empty space for arts and culture purposes.
Anyone who is interested in making use of the space should email gary.stevens@freedom-leisure.co.uk or call 01785 619080.
