A MULTI-million-pound auditorium has opened its doors at a New Forest school for use as a performance venue and cinema for the entire community.
The Barn is up and running at Ringwood School following a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late September after five years of conception, planning and construction.
Described as a “truly multi-use venue”, The Barn will serve both Ringwood School and the wider town as an auditorium space with a capacity for up to 600 people.
Used by the school for assemblies, exams, productions and curriculum support, the building is also serving the community as a performance venue and cinema.
The Barn was constructed following a successful bid to the Education and Skills Funding Agency for a £2.1m grant and took just short of a year to build. Located in space formerly occupied by staff parking, the building features industry standard lighting, sound systems and a modular stage.
Further help came from the Ringwood Musical and Dramatic Society, who supported the project with a £50,000 donation.
Leanne Symonds, headteacher, said “We are delighted to have a new venue which significantly improves provision for our students and also offers the town a space where performance arts can be showcased. We are incredibly grateful to RMDS for their very generous donation.”
As well as the construction of The Barn, the main school hall – which acted as a dining room, assembly and performance space – has been redesigned to act purely as a modern eating and social space. This space has been named The Stables by students.
While both facilities are now fully operational, ongoing fundraising will continue for additional items that are needed.
Sam Coombes, operations manager at Ringwood School, added: “We know the community of Ringwood have been asking for many years for a community cinema and event space to be introduced into the town. We are really excited to see how our incredible new building will be used and supported by so many Ringwood people.
“You are supporting our fundraising initiatives by attending our movie screenings and other community events, but can also make a donation to support this community asset via our website for which your generosity is very much appreciated.”
Visit thebarnringwood.co.uk for more information.
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