Blackburn theatre gets approval for expansion, turning an old storeroom into a new dance studio and rehearsal venue
The council approved the theatre’s plan. Blackburn with Darwen Council set four conditions. A charity runs the theatre; they submitted the planning application.
The plan is for a room by the main theatre. It was used for storage for years. They will remove a big door to the parking lot. A new entrance for rehearsals is planned. The storage area will get a makeover.
The National Theatres Trust supports the plan. They said it will help the theatre function. It will boost the community and cultural options. Dance studios are a good fit, they said.
A theatre spokesperson shared news. They will create another rehearsal space soon. This fits into a five-year plan. This helps the Empire Theatre expand. They will work to finish it quickly.
The space will offer good facilities. Groups and performers can use it. It’s for quality instruction.
The theatre sits at Aqueduct Road’s corner. It meets the A666 and Bolton Road. A planning officer wrote a report. They recommended approving the expansion.
Two separate buildings are connected. A small link joins them together. The new studio will be in a car park facing building.
The plan is to change a storage area. It will become a dance studio. It’s inside the theater building itself. An office and entryway will be included.
They plan minor external changes too. They will replace the large shutter door. A new window and door will open.
The studio encourages community participation. People will benefit physically and socially. The project enhances their overall well-being. The added dance studio uses empty space. It is a very effective use. The area has been vacant for a long time.