Backing for plans to revamp Market Drayton arts centre
Plans to expand Market Drayton's community-run arts centre in a bid to boost its income and give the town centre a shot in the arm have been backed by councillors.
Market Drayton Town Council has backed the scheme to revamp Festival Drayton Centre on Frogmore Road.
Bosses of the centre have applied to Shropshire Council for planning permission for the project, which they hope will help them attract more big names and cater for more community groups wishing to use the facilities.
Plans include creating a first floor extension to provide offices, meeting rooms and more toilets.
Applicants say the scheme would increase footfall for the centre by attracting more users and would prevent staff from having to turn groups away when they request a regular slot for community classes.
Town councillors got to see the plans at a meeting in Market Drayton Town Hall on Thursday.
Edward Davies, town clerk, said: "Plans were available on the screen for councillors to look at and we will go back to Shropshire Council saying that Market Drayton Town Council raises no objections to it."
Geoff Vernon, applicant and centre chairman, said it was too early to reveal details of how much the project might cost, but said the venue's committee would be seeking grants to help fund it. The centre has a theatre for cinema and live events, rooms for conferences and a licensed coffee shop.
There are also a range of arts and leisure activities on offer as part of a programme which runs throughout the year.
Recent film releases including Anna Karenina and Madagascar 3 are due to be shown in the coming weeks, while live shows planned include an appearance by comedienne Andi Osho on November 9.
