£38,000 cash boost helps city centre theatre repair its leaky roof

A popular city centre theatre has been able to fix its leaky roof thanks to a £38,000 cash boost from Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Part of the roof at the Mitchell Arts Centre, in Hanley, had fallen into disrepair in recent years causing water to drip into the dressing rooms and the dance studio.

But now the Broad Street venue has been able to carry out the critical repairs, ensuring it remains fit for purpose and ready to welcome visitors and community groups in 2023 and beyond.

The roof repairs were part-funded by £38,178 from Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Community Investment Fund.

Councillor Lorraine Beardmore, cabinet member for culture, leisure and public health, said: “I am delighted that the Mitchell Arts Centre has been able to make some much-needed repairs to the building with support from Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Community Investment Fund.

“Not only does the venue welcome thousands of visitors and dozens of groups every year, it has a fantastic café facility which is a great community space. There’s lots going on and I would urge everyone to drop in and check it out.”

The Mitchell Arts Centre welcomes more than 70,000 visitors and over 50 groups, including amateur dramatics groups and dance schools, every year.

It also hosts children’s theatre, workshops, training days, comedy nights and live screenings.

Caroline Sherratt, from the Mitchell Arts Centre, said: “The money we received from the Community Investment Fund has been really valuable. We have been able to repair the roof to our dance studio and dressing rooms and maintain the building.

“This year, we’ve welcomed more and more people through our doors and we are confident that will continue throughout the new year and beyond.”

Since Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Community Investment Fund was launched in 2017, it has awarded £3.6 million in grants to 181 projects.

Priorities are given to projects that:

• Transform outcomes for children and young people in the city
• Improve education and skill levels for residents of all ages
• Protect and improve mental and physical health and wellbeing
• Work with residents and partners to make our communities safer, cleaner and healthier
• Celebrate and promote Stoke-on-Trent as a destination for business, heritage, and culture.

For more details about the Community Investment Fund visit  www.stoke.gov.uk/cif.