Refurbishment of 'The Place' in Oakengates will improve facilities
A refurbishment of ‘The Place’ which is home to Oakengates Theatre and Library is under way with completion due by mid-July.
During the coming weeks, the venue will see a number of changes made as part of plans to modernise and improve the facilities and services, which are available to customers.
The main changes will be made to the front of house where the current sizeable reception area and office space is being remodelled. The additional open space will allow visitors to be offered pre-show dining and refreshments to enhance their theatre experience.
Improvements will also be made to the library and art facilities.
Visitors will see an updated offer from the library – with a wider selection of books and reading materials, as well as more space for customers to break out into. The new refreshed look will mirror that of the borough’s main library at Southwater One.
Café Go provides a café culture to all visitors at the place. This facility is being extended to allow for pre-show dinning to be offered for theatre goers before they attend shows.
The art room, located at the rear of the library, will also benefit from being made bigger as the venue looks to host more creative and cultural activities focused around health and well-being.
Carpets in the theatre’s bar and lounge area will also be replaced.
Councillor Liz Clare, cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “The programming at Oakengates Theatre is going from strength to strength as we continue to attract more star acts year on year.
“As more people choose to visit Oakengates Theatre we are delighted to be able to offer them the opportunity to join us for a pre-show dinner. We hope it will encourage more people to come along and make the most of their theatre experience.”
Wifi is available for customers and the new facilities will offer an ideal location for meetings and study.
Shows are still running as normal, however customers are asked to book tickets online or by calling the box office on 01952 382382.
A temporary box office has also been set up at the rear of the premises, which can be accessed from the side door used for the office suites.
While the library is closed residents will be able to visit any other Telford & Wrekin library to borrow and return books, and to use the computers.
