Shakespeare North granted planning permission

Planning permission has been granted to Shakespeare North for a proposed theatre and education hub to be built in Knowsley, North West England.

The 19 million pound building will house a 350-seat theatre and will be the core of a new International University College, the first of its kind to focus on Shakespearean performance practice. Building work is expected to commence later this year.

The Shakespeare North Playhouse will be the only replica in the world of English architect Inigo Jones' indoor Jacobean Court Theatre. It will be built to designs drawn by Jones in 1629.

George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, recently announced a five million pound pledge to support the proposal. Knowsley Council will also contribute six million pounds to the project, as well as providing the land and the building that will be converted into student accommodation. Shakespeare North will continue to fundraise.

Peter Scott, Chair of Trustees, Shakespeare North Trust, said: "The creation of an historic theatre and a unique university college in Shakespeare North will commemorate the deep connection between our greatest cultural icon and an area of the country, Knowsley, that played an important role in forging his career. Shakespeare North aims to make Knowsley once again a place where actors, writers, students and young people will be able to study and practice the plays of Shakespeare."