Next Open Day set for September 26
The Lyric's plans to extend the building have so far received a thumbs up from local people, and the theatre is now planning to consult them again over the autumn.
In May, the King Street theatre announced its plan to extend the current building to provide a learning environment where education professionals and artists can inspire young people to become the artists and arts managers of the future.
On July 31, the Lyric held its first Open Day, inviting the community to find out more. Over 300 people came along, talked to staff, viewed the draft plans and gave their views on the project.
The Lyrics says the plans received overwhelming support from the visitors, and having listened to their views has taken on board these comments.
The community said that as well as activities for teenagers they want activities and facilities for the older community and younger children of primary school age.
The Lyrics says that though its primary vision is to offer activities for 11-25 years, it is looking at intergenerational projects, and adds that it has recently taken onboard a Children’s Producer to focus on activities for younger children.
The community said the Lyric needs to be more visible to local residents.
The Lyrics says it is working with Hammersmith & Fulham Council to improve its external signs on King Street and Lyric Square, and with architects to improve access to its current building and new extension.
The community said that it is important to have spaces within the building to relax, meet up and for activities to take place in a more informal area.
The Lyric is planning to incorporate a larger foyer area that can be used by all visitors as a communal space for relaxing, exhibiting work and sharing ideas.
The community are very interested in the history of the Lyric.
The Lyrics says there is a great desire to provide resources on the history of the Lyric, and it is now planning to undertake a substantial archiving project.
The Lyrics also says it is holding ongoing discussions with its direct neighbours in Ashcroft Square, and listening to their key concerns: overlooking, light, noise and security.
The next Open Meeting will be held at the theatre on Saturday 26 September at 10.30am. Jessica Hepburn, Executive Director of the Lyric will give a short presentation, about the project's next stages, followed by a question and answer session with Lyric staff.
Further Open Meetings will be held on Thursday 01 October at 1pm and Monday 05 October at 7pm to give as many people as possible a chance to attend. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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