Scala Theatre and Myriad Centre planning decisions loom

Worcester City Council’s planning committee meets on Thursday (March 21) with two big decisions to make.

Councillors will be asked to decide whether the amended plan for a new performing arts centre at the Scala and a theatre cafe next door at the Corn Exchange can go ahead.

The Myriad Centre's current home isn't fit for purpose, according to its CEO (Image: Google Maps)

They’ll also need to make a decision on the Myriad Centre, which wants to knock down its home in St George’s Walk and replace it with a new purpose-built facility.

The Scala project has been scaled back significantly since it was first announced four years ago.

A 500-seat theatre was planned in an attempt to restore the listed building on the corner of Angel Place to its former glory.

But rising costs forced a rethink and the plan going before councillors is now for a small theatre, a cinema upstairs and a third, multi-purpose facility capable of hosting digital exhibitions.

The Myriad Centre application came before the planning committee last month but a decision was deferred after a question about cycle parking was asked that couldn’t be answered on the day.

Planning officers are recommending the committee approves both projects, but the final decision will rest with councillors.