Chance for Malton's Milton Rooms to become state-of-the-art regional theatre

The Prince’s Regeneration Trust has thrown its weight behind the ambitious venture and is now working to support and source funds for the ongoing project to revive the Milton Rooms.

The Trust works across the UK saving important redundant historic sites and helping to secure sustainable viable new uses that benefit the community.

It will help to restore the theatre and advise on the potential acquisition of the redundant Assembly Room that sit adjacent.

This would allow this leading arts venue to increase its capacity while saving an example of Georgian heritage that is currently sitting unused and at risk of dereliction.

Artistic director Garry Cooper said representatives from the Prince’s Regeneration Trust had first visited the Milton Rooms last September.

He said: “They had never worked on a potential project like this and found such a productive and cohesive vision already in place and working.

“After a second visit they suggested they were willing to help us with the project by assisting us to find funds to restore the building and possibly extend it to make the Milton Rooms a state of the art venue with national recognition.”

Garry said that although the historic character of the early 20th century Milton Rooms and 19th century Assembly Rooms was intact, they were in need of major repairs.

“We have since had a number of meetings with organisations like the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Theatres Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund who have all been really supportive, along with officers and members of Ryedale District Council which is backing us fully,” he said.

“The first thing we need now is an options appraisal which will throw everything into the mix about the building, from extending it to providing dressing rooms, storage space, seating, lighting and air conditioning.”

Garry said this would be followed by a business plan which would lay out the detailed route that would be taken forward.

“We are looking at a five-year timeline from now – it might happen in one go or in stages,” he said.

“At a time when so many country towns are suffering from cuts and closures, it is fantastic to have been offered this chance at such substantial development and regeneration of a building that has been part of the life of Malton and Norton for 200 years.”

Garry said they aimed to produce a venue to rival any in Yorkshire.“We can now look forward to the Milton Rooms once again becoming the centre of artistic and community endeavour, attracting and creating the best of local, regional and national art and entertainment,” he said.

“A state-of-the-art regional theatre will always bring life, jobs, outside visitors and stimulation. It will benefit the very local shops and businesses that are part of the essential character of a town – as well as entertaining its residents.

“Without the involvement, help and enthusiasm from the residents of Malton, Norton and Ryedale, we could not have got to this point. Now we can all look forward to an exciting future in we will host a first class venue, attracting talent and visitors from all over the country – and beyond.”

Paul Cresswell, corporate director for Ryedale District Council, said: “The council has been working closely with the Milton Rooms management committee to progress the Prince’s Regeneration Trust application.

“We look forward to working in partnership to progress this project to its full potential as a venue for the arts.”

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the Trust, said: “The Prince’s Regeneration Trust is delighted to be supporting the Milton Rooms theatre in their efforts to save and re-use the beautiful Georgian Assembly Room that currently stands empty and in disrepair next to the theatre. We are hugely experienced in rescuing and restoring historic sites for community benefit and are excited to use this expertise to be able to support this leading innovative arts venue expand.”

Recognition for a shared dream

ARTISTIC directors Garry Cooper and Nick Bagnall are aiming high with their vision for the Milton Rooms in Malton.

The pair, who have worked tirelessly to revive the building over the past 18 months, want to create a leading, innovative arts venue of national importance with the help of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust.

In their eyes, the Milton Rooms will not only provide a resource for Ryedale artists, it will house a recognised producing theatre, attracting audiences from across Yorkshire and beyond.

“The Milton Rooms will be versatile and innovative,” Garry said.

“Versatile so we can adapt to a wide range of local and national productions and innovative as we will foster new talent and become a centre where people can learn and be creative.”

Garry said they also wanted to be a leading tour venue for major companies, so they could invite visiting shows of the highest calibre which people will want to travel to Malton to see.

“We will invite the best theatres in the country to work with us, collaborating on projects and co-productions which will then go out on tour across the country and perhaps beyond.”

“For example, we are currently working on a project with Jim Cartwright, who wrote the Rise and Fall of Little Voice, to produce a play for Christmas which will be premiered at the Milton Rooms before it goes out on tour.”

Nick said that an important part of their vision for the Milton Rooms was to bring in Ryedale residents of all ages and interests.

“We will particularly encourage young people to get involved in drama, music and art, both to take part in creative activity and be entertained,” he said.

“The Milton Rooms will be a place where young people can drop in, learn new skills and develop their talents. The expansion of arts in this country means that we can help people start on the route to a career in the creative industries.”

Nick said they would also offer residencies to artists and writers who would make the Milton Rooms a creative, working building.

“We will establish artists’ studios for local artists, again bringing the building back to life on a daily basis,” he said.

“We will provide recording studios where young people can bring their music and learn new crafts.”

Garry said that part of their vision was for the Milton Rooms to become a hub for the performing and visual arts in Ryedale.

“We will collaborate with arts venues in Pickering and Helmsley and beyond, with residencies and joint productions, as well as continuing to be a local facility for Malton,” he said.

“All of this will require investment to refurbish, improve and adapt the building,” he added.

“We recognise that this is a long-term project which will have to be undertaken in phases. In the long-term, the aim is to be self-financing, using commercial income to subsidise artistic endeavour.”

Garry said having the backing of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust to restore and expand the Milton Rooms was a great opportunity for Malton.

“This will help pull people in to the town and help raise the profile of Malton as well as providing an invaluable facility for the whole region,” he said.

“Now is a great time for local people to get involved and to become a part of this wonderful project and help us to fulfil our goal.”