The community as a whole will benefit. Our consultation exercise showed that lots of local community groups struggle to find affordable venues. We would like to see all manner of activities in the hall, from local theatre groups to artists looking for somewhere to show their work. Having a well-ventilated space will allow student dance shows to take place on site for once.
A third of Acland Burghley’s students are neurodiverse – making it in the top 1 per cent most inclusive comprehensive schools in the country. Access to the arts can make a huge difference for these students.
Research suggests that the arts can improve mental health across the board and create a more cohesive community.