The Cheltenham Playhouse theatre, one of the Spa town’s most historic venues, has been given the green light to undergo a multi-million pound redevelopment to transform it into a cutting-edge hub for performing arts.
The board of trustees for the Cheltenham Playhouse recently secured planning permission to modernise the Grade II listed building and performance spaces in 2020.
While the Cheltenham Playhouse’s historic auditorium will remain untouched, the plans include a new double-height atrium, with lift access to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the first-floor facilities for the first time.
Additional upgrades will include more affordable spaces for hire, for workshops, events, meetings and rehearsals, as well as relocating and modernising the public entrance and box office.
From its early life as a 19th Century spa, the Cheltenham Playhouse evolved into a theatre in 1945, hosting drama, dance and comedy performances and film screenings ever since, with these new redevelopments set to be unveiled in its 75th year as a theatre.
Malcolm Ball, chair of the trustees, said: ‘We are thrilled to have secured planning permission to bring Cheltenham Playhouse into the 21st Century and ensure it can be enjoyed and accessed by everyone for many more years to come.
‘While these plans have been in the pipeline for the past two years, now we have been given the go ahead and estimated our fundraising target of £4million, we have set to work on applying for grants and funding, both locally and nationally, to bring our vision to life.
‘As the redevelopment is for the benefit of the community, we look forward to working with our own to develop unique ways to raise funds, as only communities know how. Whether it be through sponsored events or online donation schemes, all ideas are welcome!’
For more information see Cheltenham Playhouse.
