The ambitious project to revitalise the Amulet Theatre in Shepton Mallet has received a significant financial injection, with two grants totalling £20,000 awarded to support the theatre's restoration.

Initially opened in 1974 as 'The Centre', and gifted by the Showering Family, the Amulet Theatre has long been a cornerstone of the town's cultural life. However, its transition to private ownership in 2011 significantly limited public access and use.

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has contributed a £10,000 development support grant towards conducting a professional project viability study, ensuring the plans for the theatre are both sustainable and commercially viable.

Complementing the AHF's grant, an additional £10,000 has been secured from the Community Shares Booster Fund. This funding is designated for expert advice on establishing a community business model, including legal registration and launching a community share issue.

The programme supporting this initiative draws on resources from Power to Change, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Access – The Foundation for Social Investment, and is delivered through partnerships with Coops UK, Locality, the Plunkett Foundation, and Co-operative and Community Finance.

Driven by a coalition of local councillors, residents, and arts group leaders, the campaign to restore the theatre also aims to revitalise Shepton Mallet's town centre and high street.

Launched in November last year, the effort reflects a deep-seated community desire to return the Amulet Theatre to its status as a hub for arts and communal events.

A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 24 April at the Art Bank to engage the community further and outline the project's progress. The meeting will commence at 7pm, with the doors opening at 6:30pm, offering volunteers and interested parties a chance to inquire and get involved.

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Additionally, the initiative invites community participation in collaborative workshops planned for January 7, 2024, which will serve as an integral step in the theatre's restoration process.

For more details on how to contribute to the Amulet Theatre's revival or to participate in the upcoming events, contact Martin Berkeley at 07966 008778 or via email at [email protected].