Plans to create a Shakespeare theatre and education centre in Prescot were last night (21 April) given the go-ahead by Knowsley Council.

Councillors voted unanimously of support of the development, which it is hoped will attract thousands of national and international visitors to the town.

The Shakespeare North Playhouse will be built just metres from the site of the original Elizabethan theatre which stood in Prescot during the 1590s and was the only purpose-built playhouse anywhere in the UK outside of London.

Peter Scott, chair of the Shakespeare North Charitable Trust, says: “We are thrilled that the plans have been approved.

“This is a really important milestone for us and brings our dream of creating a fantastic theatre and education centre here in Knowsley a step closer to becoming a reality.”

Approval for the plans comes just days ahead of the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death (23 April), an occasion which is being marked with a range of events across the region.

Peter adds: “It is even more notable for us that we have been able to secure this approval so close to the anniversary of Shakespeare’s death 400 years ago, when the whole world is thinking about the ongoing cultural impact of his work on our lives today.

“Now we know that Prescot, Knowsley and the whole Liverpool City Region can join in those celebrations with extra fervour knowing that this exciting development is coming.”

The £26 million development is expected to deliver more than £10m of value to the local economy, alongside 210 construction jobs and 57 full-time positions once the facility opens.

John Flaherty, Knowsley Council’s executive director of place, adds: “It’s fantastic that after years of planning and preparation Shakespeare North Trust has been granted planning permission for this regeneration project – it’s a great news and really exciting day for Knowsley.

“Prescot is a small town with a big history and it is wonderful that that history is to be celebrated. The people of Prescot are quite rightly very proud of the town’s heritage and this theatre and education centre will be a fantastic way to showcase that to the world.

“It has the potential to have a phenomenally positive impact on Knowsley and the wider area and we are committed to playing our part to realise these benefits for our community and indeed for generations to come.”

Funding for the project has already been secured, with Knowsley Council having pledged £6m towards the costs of the development, with a further £5m confirmed from central government.

With planning consent now secured, Shakespeare North Trust will now look to obtain further investment from other interested parties.

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