Derby Theatre has branched out by restoring the city’s old arts college and Metro cinema on Green Lane.
The University of Derby, which runs Derby Theatre, owns the listed building which closed in 2008. It is being turned into a rehearsal spaces, props store and wardrobe department.
Eventually associate theatre companies and artists will also be able to use the new space.
Derby Theatre general manager Gary Johnson said, “We’re extremely excited to have acquired the Green Lane building for theatre-related purposes, which will provide us with a secondary base and will be an extension to the work we do over at the theatre.
“We know how popular and affectionately thought of the building was, and still is, in the city; so we’re delighted that we’ve been given the chance to bring it back to life for cultural purposes.”
John Coyne, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, added, “The building has created first-class studios that will be the envy of the national theatre community.”