A new city centre-based performance arts venue, at the heart of the revamp of the northern end of the city centre, which is being delivered by Worcester City Council with the support from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

It is proposed to be created within the existing Grade II Listed Corn Exchange and the historic Scala Theatre, Worcester's original 1920s cinema, returning the latter to its original purpose as one of the city’s main entertainment destinations.

The new performance arts venue will include a 500-seat main theatre and auditorium, eating and drinking areas, and fully accessible entrances and facilities, suitable for wheelchair-users.

The locally listed Scala building retains some of its decorative plasterwork and a painted frieze of Worcester black pears above the original screen. The decorations will be carefully stabilised and the new steel structure to the simple courtyard style auditorium inserted within the space.

Dressing room, wardrobe and green room facilities are provided within a new block above the retained tiled facade of the public toilets.  A large circular window looks from the meeting room out above the market stalls.

The Corn Exchange will provide front of house spaces under the original timber trusses and a modern mezzanine converted for exhibition and display and an upper bar connected to the Scala balconies.

The ambitious proposals will transform the Angel Place area, attracting world-class arts, music, and comedy acts to the Worcester, as well as giving a much-needed boost to local businesses.

Subject to agreement of a business plan, the eagerly anticipated arts centre will be managed by Worcester Theatres and from part of a diverse arts offer with the existing Swan Theatre, primarily used for community performance, the Huntingdon Hall, with a significant following for music, and the new Scala providing a flexible space with a significantly larger capacity and playing area which can be transformed for end on, thrust, in the round and promenade.