Worcester City councillors will be asked next week for their support to enable contractor Speller Metcalfe to start work on regenerating the empty Scala building.
The new Scala Arts Centre in Angel Street is set to be a venue that brings people together and makes the city a more creative and inspiring place to live.
Scala will host live events alongside independent film, visual arts, and a wide range of participation-based creative activities, as well as a programme of educational outreach and talent development.
If plans are backed by councillors, then Speller Metcalfe will be tasked with carrying out the major building project.
Leader of Worcester City Council, Lynn Denham, said: “Appointing a contractor to start work on the Scala marks a big milestone in this major project, which will regenerate this amazing building.
“Thank you to everybody who has contributed to getting the Scala project to this point, including collaborative working with local arts and creative organisations.
“Scala will be a new entertainment venue which is different to what we already have to offer in our city.
“The renovated building will widen the accessibility of arts and culture for everyone in Worcester.
“Having this new venue will also enhance people’s mental and physical health, sense of wellbeing and community cohesion.”
Speller Metcalfe, based in Malvern, is a national construction company and family-owned business with a passion for innovation and excellence in project delivery.
The renovation of the former Scala cinema is being made possible by a share of the £17.9m grant that Worcester City Council secured from the previous Government’s Future High Street Fund.
Following a Council review of funding, the Arts Centre development will be delivered across two phases.
The first phase of development for consideration next week is the regeneration and refurbishment of the Scala building to provide the principal studio and performance space alongside front and back of house facilities including office and concession space
The regeneration of the Corn Exchange will form a second phase of work and provide additional food and beverage facilities.
Planning permission for the conversion work to the former Scala cinema and Corn Exchange buildings was approved in March this year.
The business plan, which has been approved by the City Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, describes how Scala will be
a space for anyone who wants to inspire or be inspired by creativity.
