Expansion for Derby arts venues

The old Arts College and Metro Cinema building in Derby is being renovated by Derby Theatre to house a working wardrobe department, props store and new rehearsal spaces, with actors rehearsing for the theatre’s current production of Charlotte’s Web being first to use the space. Theatre Manager Gary Thompson said he was ‘delighted’ to be able to return the building to a cultural use for the city. Meanwhile, dance venue Deda is hoping to expand its facilities by re-developing space in the neighbouring Leisure Centre. It has applied to Arts Council England for a £282,000 grant to go towards the £400,000 project to create a new dance and production studio. The facilities could provide the base for a new BA in Dance, which would be offered by the venue in conjunction with the University of Derby.