Speller Metcalfe has been appointed as the main contractor for the £8.5 million refurbishment of a historic theatre in Worcester, a project aimed at transforming the former Scala cinema and Corn Exchange into a vibrant arts centre.
- Worcester City Council secured £17.9 million from the Future High Street Fund, of which £8.5 million will be used for the Scala Arts Centre.
- The project will introduce three new studio spaces, enhancing the cultural offerings of the city with events including independent cinema, performances, and workshops.
- The Corn Exchange, part of a second phase, will house food and beverage venues, further adding to the city’s attractions.
- Council leader Lynn Denham emphasised the project’s potential to boost accessibility to culture and enhance community well-being.
Speller Metcalfe has embarked on a significant cultural endeavour as it leads the transformation of Worcester’s historic Scala building and the Corn Exchange into the new Scala Arts Centre. The project, with a budget of £8.5 million, funded through Worcester City Council’s previous government grant of £17.9 million from the Future High Street Fund, signals a pivotal moment in the city’s arts landscape.
The Scala Arts Centre, located on Angel Street, is set to become a hub for creativity and cultural expression, boasting three innovative studio spaces: a screen, a stage, and a box studio. These spaces are designed to support a wide range of activities, from independent cinema screenings and performances to workshops and other cultural events. This revitalisation effort not only preserves historical structures but also adapts them for modern use, promoting a business model centred on private hires and functions to sustain its operations.
The Corn Exchange is slated for a subsequent phase of development, envisioned to complement the arts centre by incorporating food and beverage outlets. This phased approach ensures that the redevelopment is both comprehensive and strategically aligned with Worcester’s broader urban renewal objectives.
Lynn Denham, the leader of Worcester City Council, highlighted the transformative potential of the Scala project. She noted, “Appointing a contractor to start work on the Scala marks a big milestone in this major project, which will regenerate this amazing building. Scala will be a new entertainment venue which is different from what we already have to offer in our city.” Such developments are expected to enrich the community’s mental and physical health while fostering a stronger sense of cohesion and belonging among residents.
The revitalisation of the Scala and the Corn Exchange signifies a major step towards enriching Worcester’s cultural landscape and community well-being.
