PLANS for a new £2.4 million 160-seat performing arts centre at Oswestry School have been unveiled by staff.

The school, in Upper Brook Street, released plans for the project that will expand and transform its existing Memorial Hall into a state-of-the-art auditorium with a new foyer and multi-purpose studio spaces for the benefit of pupils and the community. 

The school says it plays an active role in the community performing arts including providing opportunities, most notably its Dance Academy which caters for more than 120 young people aged 2-18 who benefit from weekly lessons and numerous dance performances throughout the year. 

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Headmaster Peter Middleton said he was proud of the ‘bold and ambitious’ project that he says places the school at the heart of the community.

Oswestry Schools director of performing arts, Claire Thompson, said: “Oswestry School has a long and rich history of provision.

“With an inspirational, energetic and professional team in place supported by our outstanding peripatetic teachers, performing arts at Oswestry School is in an exciting phase.

“As the school's Performing Arts Academy celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is the perfect time to announce that a new community facility is on the way. 

“I am excited and immensely proud to be championing the arts for the Oswestry community.”

The new facility was designed by award-winning architects Levitt Bernstein who worked on similar school projects as well as The Bristol Beacon concern venue and the iconic Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre.

A spokesman added: “They have delivered on the brief to create a dynamic and exciting new facility in keeping with the historic surroundings of the school campus.

“And with a strong architectural dialogue between the new Performing Arts Centre and the adjacent school chapel and main School House building.”

With a planned opening for September 2026, curtains will go up as Oswestry marks the 250th anniversary of the school’s relocation to its present-day site in 1776 with the expansion of the school. 

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Fundraising has already begun and through the generosity of a lead donor and other sources of funding, more than half the cost of the project has already been raised.

Mr Middleton added: “The stage is set for an exciting new facility for our school and our town, and we are greatly looking forward to bringing the vision into reality.”

The new centre is subject to planning permission being granted.