Plans for New Cultural Hub Announced Following Loughborough College Group Consultation on Melton Theatre

Loughborough College Group has announced plans in partnership with Melton Borough Council to explore opportunities to develop a Cultural Hub at The Stockyard following a recent public consultation on the future of Melton Theatre.

Loughborough College Group invited views from the public on the future of Melton Theatre from 3^rd to 31^st October, which covered the teaching provision at Melton, and the ownership of the wider campus, which includes Melton Library.

The College Group have confirmed they will continue to work with key partners on the future of the current Melton Theatre site and that they are exploring all viable options for its redevelopment.

In an announcement today (Wednesday) Loughborough College Group and Melton Borough Council have said they have joined forces with commitment and a vision to actively pursue a Cultural Hub in The Stockyard and support a sustainable future for theatre performances and learning in Melton Mowbray.

The joint statement added that this collaborative endeavour reflects a 'shared determination to deliver lasting benefits for the community and to champion culture and performing arts for future generations'.

Following the transfer of the £2m previously allocated through the Levelling Up Funding (LUF), the Council has safeguarded the money for cultural and events space on The Stockyard, and the new partnership with the college represents a fantastic opportunity to enhance the offer and protect the future of Performing Arts education, as well as theatre performances in Melton.

It's said that when developed, the new Cultural Hub will feature spaces suitable for theatre performances and provide students with access to modern cultural spaces for rehearsal and performance, as well as inspiring environments designed to support creative learning and enterprise.

The development of the Cultural Hub will be underpinned by collaboration with local communities, cultural organisations and partners – helping to shape a space that not only meets the needs of students but also the community and practitioners that will support its future as a Cultural Hub.

Corrie Harris, CEO of Loughborough College Group, said: “We are delighted to continue delivering our thriving Performing Arts provision here in Melton Mowbray, where so many talented young performers begin their journey.

“This partnership with Melton Borough Council and the new Cultural Hub represents an exciting step forward; not only for our Performing Arts students, but for all our students, who will benefit from new opportunities to engage with the wider community.

“At Loughborough College Group, our priority is always to invest in our students and their futures. Once in place, the Cultural Hub will provide a fantastic, sustainable facility for our Performing Arts courses and theatre performances alike, ensuring our students continue to receive the outstanding academic and pastoral support that we are proud to deliver.”

The move to the Cultural Hub represents an important step in ensuring that creative education continues to thrive in Melton Mowbray supporting local talent, enriching the community, and strengthening the town’s growing cultural identity.

Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of Melton Borough Council said “We are excited about the development of a Cultural Hub at The Stockyard. We are committed to working with Loughborough College Group as well as our local communities and cultural organisations to turn this concept into a reality and continue to offer high quality Performing Arts education in Melton Mowbray.

“Having this facility will provide excellent opportunities for young people to access inspiring cultural activities, supporting them to achieve their aspirations and engage with a rich, creative curriculum. I want to thank local groups and individuals for their enthusiasm and continuing support to create something of value for the next fifty years and retain a vital teaching venue in Melton.

“We look forward to involving them in future and updating everyone further as things progress.”

We recently reported that the construction of the StockYard project has been delayed until at least Summer 2026.