The Little Theatre building is a converted early 19th century Chapel, with a wonderful heritage, but its accommodation is old and there are many disabled access and fire exit restrictions. For many years we have struggled for space, as the Little Theatre is “land locked” in the middle of Leicester City Centre. We therefore have to rehearse and store many of our resources in other locations in Leicester. We also have recurring “leaks” and other maintenance problems in our current very old buildings, which are difficult and costly to maintain.
This project is extremely important to us as the opportunity offered by Leicester City Council will solve both our space and fire exit constraints and will help to preserve our much-loved Little Theatre premises and history. We will be able to provide vastly improved facilities to a greater number and more diverse range of people – creating a stronger and more resilient community where people can learn new skills and actively participate in all aspects of theatre and performance. The new development on the Anchor Centre site will cost in the region of £3M. The first stage of this, which will include the building shell and new 100 seat studio theatre and dressing room facilities has been costed at £1.7M of this total.
