MORPETH CULTURAL CENTRE / THEATRE

Greater Morpeth Development Trust (GMDT) and Northumberland County Council are considering a new Arts Venue in Morpeth. In July 2022, they conducted a questionnaire to measure community support and over 200 responses were received, providing a wide range of excellent feedback. The data collected revealed significant enthusiasm for the idea, reinforcing the notion that Morpeth could benefit from a dedicated venue for performing arts. Respondents highlighted key features they would like to see incorporated, including state-of-the-art acoustics, adaptable seating arrangements, and spaces designated for community interaction. This feedback has proven instrumental in shaping preliminary concepts for the venue.

The feedback from the community underscored a strong desire for an accessible and versatile cultural space that could host a variety of performances, workshops, and exhibitions. Many respondents emphasized the importance of inclusivity, with suggestions for facilities that cater to diverse age groups and interests, as well as ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This valuable input has guided our ongoing discussions and planning efforts.

The Morpeth Arts Centre team has evaluated 3 different sites over the past 2 years, this includes Morpeth Court House, Gas House Lane Car park new build, reutilising the skeleton and footprint of the old Leisure Centre (NCC looking to sell this space). Unfortunately neither the Court House or Gas House Lane options were workable.

The Methodist church have approached GMDT with the idea to convert the church into our new Centre but also making it available for the church goers to come together for worship. This is exciting news and gives us hope that we can build our centre in the centre of Morpeth.

To advance the vision of the Morpeth Performing Arts Centre, the team is now focusing on refining their concept and exploring options for collaboration with local organisations and stakeholders. By leveraging partnerships within the community, they aim to create a venue that not only serves as a performing arts hub but also strengthens communal ties and promotes cultural enrichment across Morpeth and its neighbouring areas.

We need your help to raise funds for the feasibility to be completed, could you help with a donation on our Crowdfunding page – Morpeth Performing Arts Centre Crowdfunding

The next stage will be to engage a structural engineer to determine if our plans are do able. Beyond that we will need to secure major funding, if we hope to progress this proposal into a reality.

IMAGES of the proposed new VENUE: