PR 2914
Foxhills Technology College and North Lincolnshire Council have announced plans for a new performing arts arena in Scunthorpe.
As part of the £80m Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Project, Foxhills Technology College will be substantially remodelled and rebuilt.
An arts arena is included in these plans. The funding is already available for a 300-seat arena. The school and the council are now working together to increase this to a 700-seat arena that would have the capacity to attract major productions to North Lincolnshire for the first time. These could include major musicals, international ballet companies, symphony orchestras and national touring opera companies. The potential for high profile comedians and other popular acts would also be exciting.
The plans for the arena came from the school discussing BSF with students, parents and governors. It is a key part of the school's vision. The school aims to be a centre of excellence in performing arts.
The new facility will complement the Plowright Theatre and make the Plowright's future more secure. The two facilities can have a shared box office, artistic direction and technical staff. The new arena will be in place in the next three to four years.
Cllr Margaret Sidell, Cabinet Member for Education, said:
"The plans for the arena show that BSF is about more than just schools -
it aims to put in place facilities for the whole community.
"It will give North Lincolnshire something it has been missing - a first-rate
venue for major productions that will put the area on the map.
"The collaboration between the school and the council make this possible
and is what makes this special. It will be much more cost-effective than a
stand-alone concert venue. General running costs can be shared with the school
and schools will make use of the facility at times when it would otherwise
stand empty.
"The plans show that the council and schools are thinking big and linking
educational facilities with wider community use in imaginative ways".
For further information please contact Dave Watson on 01724 296345, email dave.watson@northlincs.gov.uk.