What is the Workington Opera House Project?

Opera Action (Workington) Limited (OAL) would like to purchase, restore and reopen Workington Opera House. This business plan will outline OAL’s plans for a new, bigger capacity theatre in Workington, West Cumbria. OAL see this new theatre as a way to kick start the area's night-time economy and provide a future for arts and entertainment for the area at a time of uncertainty for many of the providers currently in the area.

The theatre, if redeveloped, would be a logical redevelopment of both the Town Centre and the Workington Opera House, with the following aims in mind:

• To restore a usable historic theatre building for the 21st century. Providing professional and amateur entertainment facilities for Cumbria.
  
• Reenergise the night time economy of Workington and Cumbria as a whole.
  
• Provide a viable and sustainable community space with flexible seating options ranging from approximately 500-1000 seats to other spaces within the venue.
  

A number of key benefits are sought from the proposed restored venue by major stakeholder and local residents.

• Major impact on regeneration of the town, evidenced by:

• more outside visitors and spending
• a higher quality and more vibrant night time economy
• improved image of Workington
• increased status as a arts/entertainment centre.

• An enhanced cultural offer for Workington and its wider catchment and high community use of and benefit from the facility.

The restored theatre can play a key role in engaging with local amateur groups and community organisations to promote activities within the theatre and where possible, link them into the expertise that the college and university can offer, in order to develop their capacity and associated skills.

For more information about Opera Action Visit: http://www.OperaAction.co.uk