Maldon needs an Arts Centre and, fortunately, the ideal building for such a venue lies empty in the centre of Maldon's High Street. It is the old Public Hall, known locally in its most recent guise as the old post office. Though there is a long way to go, we are in negotiations with the current owners of the building to acquire it for conversion into our Arts Centre. The building was constructed in 1860 for the express purpose of public entertainment and we fervently believe that it should be returned to that use.

The Vision

Main Auditorium:

The original hall, at the rear of the building, is large and lofty. We believe that a professional standard, fully equipped theatre seating around 350 could be constructed within it. We hope to restore the original proscenium arch, which is currently fllled in with blockwork and re-build the stage demolished by the post office. In addition, we would construct proper dressing rooms, wings and storage areas alongside the stage and auditorium. There should also be space for a fully functioning orchestra pit.

Studio Theatre:

This would be constructed by removing interior walls and floors in the main, front part of the building. We would create a flexible space with bleacher-type seating which would be retractable, making it available for a variety of uses by community and other groups. During the evening, the studio would serve as a permanent cinema screen, with a capacity of around 150.

Exhibition Space:

A permanent exhibition space would be constructed between the two parts of the building, possibly on a balcony area around a central atrium.

Foyer and other facilities:

The high-ceilinged and large ground floor space in the main building fronting the HIgh Street, would contain a large and fully-equipped open plan information area and box office. On the opposite side is space for a large bookshop and CD store and, in the centre a coffee shop and bar for the use of audience members. This would be run by one of Maldon's existing coffee shop/bar owners.

Why does Maldon need an Arts Centre?

There is a large and growing artistic community in the Town but no theatre. A medium-sized auditorium, such as we envisage, would enable us to provide a venue for the many professional touring theatre, dance and music companies who currently cannot be accommodated in the town. In addition, the highly successful and growing Maldon Festival of Arts needs a proper base to be able to expand its activities. The town has a large and thriving community of visual artists with no permanent exhibition space and there is a crying need and huge demand for a permanent cinema in the town. It makes sense to bring all these under one roof.

What can you do?

Sign up to the forum on this website to keep informed and to contact other supporters. Attend the first AGM of the Maldon Arts Centre Friends to be held in the Town Hall at 8pm on June 1st. Drop into the Focus Groups open day between 10 am and 12 noon on June 6th (venue tba) to let us know your views. This is an essential part of the funding process and we need as many people as possible to call in on that day. Finally, we have a large amount of money to raise and huge amounts of work to do so all help is very important, even if it's just through an expression of your support.