THE SHAKESPEARE Birthplace Trust’s plans for a flagship Learning and Community Hub in Stratford moved a step closer this week.
The charity is looking to open the hub in the former Edinburgh Woolen Mill store on Henley Street – just a stone’s throw from Shakespeare birthplace – to introduce youngsters to the work of the bard.
Stratford District Council this week granted change of use permission which will allow SBT to start work on the redevelopment of the building, with the hope of welcoming the first audiences in the second half of 2025.
SBT public programmes director Rachel North said: “As a charity that focuses on ensuring that everyone has a positive experience with Shakespeare, the new Learning and Community Hub will enable us to host tens of thousands of schools and learning visits from across the world on the street where Shakespeare was born.
“This is something that has not been possible since 2019 and we are excited by the opportunity this offers for children, young people and our communities within Stratford.”
The new facility is being designed to accommodate and increase the number of formal and informal learning groups of all ages that SBT welcomes into Stratford town centre, as well as offering dedicated exhibition space for local community groups.
The venue will also be made available for community groups to host events and meetings.
Rachel added: “The venue will also have the celebration of local communities and talent at its heart. Local artists and creatives will be able to come together and share their work with the public in a dedicated exhibition space.
“We will also be making the venue available to local community groups throughout the year, helping to foster relationships and provide much-needed spaces for creativity and community engagement in Stratford.”
