Blackburn Empire Theatre reveal expansion plan

A storeroom at a thriving Blackburn performance venue has been earmarked as a new dance studio and rehearsal room.

The Blackburn Empire Theatre in Aqueduct Road, Ewood, has applied for approval to convert the empty space,

It has applied for planning permission for the change of use of the existing vacant storage area into dance studio with new reception office and entrance

The application is to convert a large room in the performing arts centre on Aqueduct Road attached to the main theatre which has been used for storage for a number of years.

It would entail removing a large shuttered door on to the car park and creating a new separate entrance/reception area for a rehearsal studio and totally refurbishing the storage area.

A spokesman for the charity which runs the 330-seat volunteer-run theatre said: “The application is part of the theatre’s ongoing commitment to provide the best facilities possible to encourage community participation in the arts .

“It will bring back into use a large room which has merely served as a storage space for many years.

“Should the application be successful it is an ideal space for an additional rehearsal room suitable for a theatre group or performing arts group and will have all the necessary facilities including new flooring.

“Over the past couple of years the theatre has invested in improving many of its existing facilities both in the main theatre and in the performing arts centre.

“The main bar and Volunteers’ Bar in the balcony have both undergone major transformations with the public areas in the main theatre being smartened up as part of an on-going programme of works.

“The next phase of that is to further improve the toilet facilities in the bar area.

““The Berry Room – named after former chairman of the theatre Michael Berry who was a driving force behind its restoration – has undergone a major facelift with new flooring and portable mirrors and portable bar being installed offering a studio space suitable both for rehearsals and performances.

“The offices and corridors have been redecorated with new carpeting installed.

“By adding to the number of rehearsal rooms we are looking to welcome even more performers to the Empire.

“At a time when the arts in general are having a hard time nationally, the Empire offers a vital hub for the local community and an additional space will help us meet the demand and encourage those interested in performance.

“This is just the latest phase in our plans to continually develop the theatre and we are working on a number of other exciting plans which we hope to introduce in the next few years.”

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