Expansion approved for 115-year-old theatre

A volunteer-run theatre can now create a new dance studio, reception office and entrance after planning permission was granted.

It will involve the conversion of an empty storeroom at Blackburn Empire Theatre in Aqueduct Road, Ewood.

It entails removing a large shuttered door on to the car park, creating a new separate entrance and reception area for a rehearsal studio, and refurbishing the storage area.

A spokesman for the 115-year-old venue said it was "great news".

"It will allow us to create an additional rehearsal room which is all part of a larger five-year plan to develop the Empire and its role within the community," he said.

The planning application, submitted by the charity which runs the theatre, was approved by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

It was supported by the National Theatres Trust which said in a letter to planners: "This proposal relates to a later building to the rear of the original theatre.

"Utilising the building for dance studios will complement the core theatre function and further enhance the Empire's community and cultural offer."

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