School aims to build a new theatre

PRIVATE school Twycross House is looking to expand its facilities with a purpose-built theatre and drama studio.

The high school and primary, which caters for around 500 pupils aged four to 18 is set in 14 acres and centred on a listed mansion house dating from 1703.

The latest planning application has been submitted to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and surrounds the construction of a two-storey bespoke building to act as a centre for the performing arts for both Twycross House House schools.

The 21.4m by 17m red brick facility would provide seating for 112 people in the auditorium with a ground floor featuring the stage and changing rooms, toilets and a foyer. A smaller first floor, sitting above the foyer, would provide for a control room and office.

The site chosen is part of the extensive grounds and lies to the south east of Twycross House, adjoining the dining hall.

Elsewhere the grounds feature landscaped gardens, sports pitches and playing fields. Other facilities include a hall, and Twycross Pre-Preparatory ICT suite, science laboratories, specialist art and pottery room, library, sports hall, indoor swimming pool and outdoor tennis courts, developed over the years and since the school’s founding in 1977.

In the planning submission, agents for the school, say the centre will not disrupt the attractive panoramic views from the rear of Twycross House and will enhance the future economic viability of the building.

The application will be considered at a future meeting of the borough’s planning committee or through delegated powers by officers.