London's Helm Architecture will Design Shakespeare North Theatre

London's Helm Architecture will design the £19m Shakespeare North theatre and education centre in Prescott, Knowsley.

TheShakespeare North Trust beinggivenplanning permission for the development in April. Construction on thepostgraduate International University College and theatre in Prescot, near Liverpool will startin November 2017.

The heartof the buildingwill be atheatre, commemorating the first Elizabethan purpose-built indoor theatre outside London.

Helmwill work with architectsAustin-Smith: Lord to design the centre. Helm Architects has extensiveexperience designing museums, theatres and visitors centres across the world.

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Shakespeare North's chairperson Peter Scott said, “Our vision to have a playhouse in Prescot began 12 years ago. We are delighted at the support and interest we have received in turning this vision into a reality."

The Trust'saim is to celebrate the Elizabethan heritage of the Liverpool suburb of Knowsley and plansto bring Shakespearean theatre back to anarea whichplayed an important and often neglected partin the history of Elizabethan drama. The patronage of the Earls of Derby who lived atKnowsley Hall provided vital support in thedevelopment of Shakespearean drama.

The design for theplayhouse will be inspired byoriginal 1629 plansby influential 17th Century architect Inigo Jones. Jones was also a theatrical designer and collaborator of playwrightBen Johnson.The venue will seat350 people. In addition, ahighlight will be theeducation centre allowingstudents to learn more about the work and lifeof The Bard.