In a big move for the Everyman Theatre's community outreach and engagement work across Gloucestershire, the Cheltenham-based theatre company has announced plans to open a new centre for creativity in Cheltenham town centre.
Opening in a former community centre on Grove Street, just off the lower high street, in spring 2026, the centre will serve as a permanent base for the theatre’s award-winning education and community department.
The new centre, which will see the old community building completely revamped, will offer a 'vibrant and welcoming space for the whole community to experience and enjoy'.
The building is currently undergoing extensive renovations and will see the space transformed into a fully accessible, energy efficient education centre, with multi-use activity spaces and breakout rooms.
The Everyman has invested over £300,000 in the new centre so far – including buying the building – and hopes to raise even more through a soon-to-be-announced fundraising campaign.
The education centre will offer everything from youth theatres and choirs, to dancing and family creative arts clubs – it will be inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.
Its aim is to help communities – in particular, less advantaged children, young people and adults – from across Gloucestershire get creative, with free and heavily subsidised arts and culture projects that will help 'combat loneliness, foster social connections and improve wellbeing and mental health'.
Jessica Price, head of education and community at the Everyman, said: 'The Everyman Theatre believes passionately that creative arts opportunities have the power to transform lives.
'Our new initiative to re-energise the former Community Resource Centre in Grove Street, previously run by the brilliant West End Partnership, will allow our education and community work to extend further and help us deliver inspiring, innovative and engaging creative projects for all.
'We’re so excited to do more of the work we love and reach new communities!'
The Everyman is keen to hear from local businesses, organisations and individuals who would like to partner with the theatre on this project and asks that any interested parties contact the theatre directly.
