THERE has been a fantastic response from the community to the launch of plans for a new centre for the performing arts in Lymm, with many groups who would use the centre getting behind the project.
Kieran Walshe, who chairs the Lymm Performing Arts Working Group, said: “We’ve had great support from groups and individuals from the outset and throughout our community consultation last year, but we were blown away by the response to the launch, on social media and in person.”
The plans envisage a new, purpose built facility on the Lymm High School site, to be used by all schools and the community. It will have a large, professionally equipped performance hall which can be used for big events such as school productions, dance shows, concerts, Lymm Festival events, music gigs, and even touring companies and shows.
The school’s recent production of the musical Grease (pictured) showcased the talent in the local community which will benefit from the project. The new centre will also have drama, dance and music studios and practice rooms, media facilities, and a recording studio. It will be used by schools during the day and by the community in the evenings and at weekends.
The Working Group is now collaborating with Warrington Borough Council on bids for funding.
Kieran added: “This can’t happen without a substantial capital investment from public funds, but we will also need to fundraise from the community. We are starting discussions with a number of charitable funders, and we’ve already had one big donation from a local charity.”
The overall cost to build the performing arts centre will be around £3m, but fitting it out and providing equipment could add to that.
The full case for investment is on the Lymm Performing Arts website at www.lymmperformingarts.org.uk.
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