200-seat venue a step closer for Westergate

Planning permission for the first venue of its kind in the area is being sought by Westergate Community School.

The application is to extend the school's hall by an extra 94.65sq m from its current 628sq m. The extra space will be built south of the assembly halll and west of the kitchen and is to be used for the canteen.

Moving this out of the hall is the key to turning that building into the performance space.

It will be used for professional-standard plays, concerts and exhibitions for the surrounding community as well as students. First events could be held next year if planning approval is given by Arun District Council.

School deputy headteacher Andrea Hills says in a statement with the application: "We need this facility because currently we only have a small drama studio, which has an audience capacity of 50, or a multi-purpose hall which is not suitable for performances.

"The hall currently serves as an assembly hall and a canteen, as well as a performance space.

"We need to refurbish it in such a way that it can remain permanently as a performance area, with full-length curtaining, a performance space, suitable lighting and sound equipment, and rake seating for an audience of 200."

The creation of the venue will be the centrepiece of the school's recently-acquired specialist status in visual and performing arts.

The venue will be largely funded by a 100,000 government grant awarded with the specialist status.

But, with the changes expected to cost at least that amount, the school has to find extra funding. A winter wonderland last Thursday raised about 1,500 after some 300 people went along to the celebration of the festive season and women's business acumen.

Achieving the specialist status is part of the school's goal to move from a satisfactory Ofsted rating to an excellent one.

Mrs Hills said the number of students using the canteen would remain the same after the extension was built because the school's current number of 741 pupils was close to its 750 capacity.

However, community use of the Lime Avenue site was expected to increase in the evenings. This was an important part of the bid for specialist status.

It was unlikely, though, that this would have any impact on the campus because its adult education facilities and Six Villages Sports Centre were open until 10pm.

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