New centre for Performing Arts planned at Lymm

EXCITING plans have been unveiled for a new Centre for Performing Arts in Lymm to be used by local schools and the whole community.

A consultation to gather views has just been launched for local residents to have a say at www.lymmperformingarts.org.uk.

Lymm has a thriving performing arts scene with excellent music, drama and dance at both primary and secondary schools; and a lot of community groups involved in dance, music and the performing arts. The annual Lymm Festival is a highlight of the year with its programme of events over nearly two weeks in the summer and other events throughout the year. However, facilities are very limited: there are no purpose-built performance or event spaces; many groups have to go elsewhere to rehearse and perform; and current venues are limited in their ability to serve existing needs or to expand as required.
The aim is to build a new Centre for the Performing Arts, to be based on the high school site and used primarily by schools during the day, and by the community at evenings and weekends. Initial plans would see the facility having a 450-seat theatre/performance space which could also be adapted for smaller events; drama and dance studios; rehearsal rooms for music; a recording studio; and some flexible space for meetings and exhibitions.
Kieran Walshe, a governor at Lymm High School, is chairing a working group set up to lead the project. He said: “We’ve had great support – on our working group we have senior councillors and officials from Warrington Borough Council, representatives from schools and the Lymm Festival, and Andy Carter our local MP. We are always looking for people who want to get involved!”
Over the next three months, the working group is holding an online consultation, and meeting with all groups and organisations who would like to have their say about the proposed development. The findings will be used to put together the case for funding – which will need local authority and government support. Kieran Walshe said: “We do not underestimate the funding challenge – but now, as we emerge from this awful pandemic, is a great moment at which to think about the kind of future we want for our community – and how important the performing arts are to us all.”
For more information, visit the website at www.lymmperformingarts.org.uk where you can have your say, register your interest in being kept up to date with developments, and find lots of information about what’s going on in the performing arts right now. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]