City planners have backed plans to refurbish Worcester’s historic Scala Theatre.

The redrawn plans for the building were approved unanimously by planning committee members on Thursday (March 21).

Plans for the Scala, which will return to being a public arts space, were scaled back significantly last year when spiralling costs forced a rethink.

A 500-seat theatre had been planned in an attempt to restore the listed building on the corner of Angel Place to its former glory.

But the cost of the upgrade went up from £7 million to £13m in the space of three years.

The plan is now for three smaller performance spaces in the Scala - a small theatre space called The Stage, a studio upstairs called The Screen that will be usable by dance companies and also as an arthouse cinema, and a third, multi-purpose facility called The Box, which will be capable of hosting smaller performances or events.

Next door the Grade II listed Corn Exchange, formerly an Ask Italian restaurant, will become a new theatre cafe.

Funding for the project is coming from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund - Worcester was given nearly £18m in 2020 including more than £7m to acquire and renovate the Scala and Corn Exchange buildings.

At Thursday's planning meeting, Cllr Jill Desayrah said: "Local arts groups are excited about the prospect of using it."

Cllr Pat Agar said: "It seems to me like we're just in time with this because the building is really suffering."

The committee heard that gull deterrents will be included on the roof of the Scala and that an asbestos survey is currently taking place in the building.

Lifts big enough for mobility scooters will be installed in both the Scala and Corn Exchange.

City council managing director David Blake said: “The planning committee’s decision is an important milestone on our journey to creating a venue that will attract new audiences and allow creative communities to thrive in our city.

"I look forward to seeing construction work getting underway later this year.”

The city council said the plans for the new venue were developed following extensive consultation and work with a consortium of creative organisations: Severn Arts, Dancefest, Mobilise Arts, C&T, The Kiln, and Vestan.
 
Paul Sutton, from C&T, said: “On behalf of the creative consortium, I am delighted to hear this news. Our aim is to open the Scala as a welcoming hub in the heart of the city where people can come together to enjoy, imagine, and cultivate a more creative future for Worcester.”