Heart of Stafford

The Gatehouse Theatre is the most popular arts and culture venue in central Staffordshire. it stages dozens of community events each year, and is the base for the Youth Theatre and Summer School project for young people. Gatehouse Theatre will open a new arts and community hub in the former TK Maxx building in the town centre.

The new HEART of Stafford (Hub of Entertainment, Art, Recreation and Theatre) project will see the theatre transform the empty retail unit into a thriving exhibition, rehearsal and performance space.

Technical staff will be working to add seating, temporary staging and PA equipment on the ground floor of the former fashion store at Friary Retail Park, just off Wolverhampton Road.

The move comes as the theatre looks to expand, with audiences and footfall at the Eastgate Street venue approaching record levels. “It’s been an incredibly busy year at the Gatehouse”, says General Manager Gary Stevens, “And we are running out of space to host all the events and productions that want to come to us. The unit has great facilities, excellent lighting and good parking right outside, so when it became available it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. It will be open to anyone and everyone who wants to come and use it. We will make use of it for our regular dance classes and Youth Theatre work, as well as rehearsals for larger productions. But really, it’s a blank canvas for groups in Stafford borough to use.”

The Gatehouse will put something back into the community by breathing new life into a prominent empty building.