Former Newbury library to become theatre and community space

A former library building in Berkshire is to be converted into a studio theatre and community engagement space by the arts venue Corn Exchange Newbury. 

Originally built in 1906, the building has stood empty in recent years, having ceased being the borough library in 2000.

Plans to create a 100-seat theatre and public engagement spaces have been approved by the council's planning department.

Corn Exchange Newbury will work with local community development charity Greenham Trust to restore and convert the building.

Katy Griffiths, Director of Corn Exchange Newbury, said: "We are really excited to have the opportunity to make a permanent home for all our community engagement work, as well as a new performance space for smaller-scale touring work in a much-loved Newbury heritage building.

"Working with Greenham Trust we will be restoring this beautiful, historical building and bringing it back into public use for the benefit of our local community."