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Gloucestershire Business News

Multi-million pound theatre development revealed

One of Cheltenham's most celebrated, historic venues is to undergo a multi-million pound redevelopment, to transform it into a hub for performing arts.

The board of trustees for the Cheltenham Playhouse has secured planning permission to modernise the Grade II listed building and performance spaces in 2020 - the 75th anniversary of its rebirth as an iconic theatre.

Malcolm Ball, chair of the trustees, said: "We are thrilled. 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.

"The new and improved Cheltenham Playhouse will be a welcome addition to the vibrant Bath Road area, and we will announce our next steps and capital development fundraising strategy in due course."


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While the intimate auditorium will remain untouched, a double-height atrium will be created to open up the heart of the venue.

Lift access will also be installed to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the first-floor facilities for the first time.

Additional upgrades will include more flexible, affordable spaces for hire, for everything from workshops, events and meetings to rehearsals and small-scale theatre productions. Plus, relocating the public entrance and box office will further improve accessibility and visitor experience.

From its early life as a 19th Century spa, Cheltenham Playhouse evolved into a theatre in 1945 and, in more recent years, has played host to performances spanning live music, comedy, dance, poetry, burlesque, improve and film; making these planned modernisations a must to secure its relevance for future generations.

It is hoped once complete, Cheltenham Playhouse will be a hive of creativity for patrons, performers and businesses alike.

The board has been working with specialist Pershore-based heritage architects, Poole Phillips, as well as archaeologists, to ensure the redevelopment plans are sensitive to the patchwork of historic developments going back more than 200 years.

The board of trustees now has five years in which to complete the works. The borough council, which owns the building, has recently agreed a 25-year lease.

If you would like to work with the board of trustees to help fundraise for Project Playhouse  email Malcolm Ball, chair of trustees, at malcolm.ball@cheltplayhouse.org.uk.

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