Mayflower Theatre in Southampton is celebrating a big milestone as the first spade has hit the ground in a project to transform itself and build a new rehearsal studio.
Construction is now underway for a highly anticipated development at the theatre, which is set to take 16 months to complete and is fully funded by reserves.
The double-height rehearsal studio will include two fully accessible dressing rooms and a new combined reception and stage door.
This will provide improved backstage access and inclusivity, ensuring disabled performers have equal access to stage-level dressing rooms.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place at the site, bringing together Mayflower executives as the first spade hit the concrete.
Mayflower's chief executive Michael Ockwell said the team was "delighted" that development on the new studio had started.
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He said: "This is more than just the start of a construction project – it’s a physical representation of our mission of inspiring experiences for all, and commitment to providing accessible performance and creation of producing new works.
"We are incredibly excited to see our vision and years of planning to take shape on the ground.
"This development is not only a fantastic new space, but it will improve our facilities and further strengthen Mayflower’s reputation as a leading theatre."
One of the main aims of the project is to support Mayflower’s "participation and education" programmes by providing a modern, inclusive space.
The studio will also serve as a key resource for Mayflower’s youth theatre projects, which have welcomed more than 210,000 young people from across the region over the past 12 years.
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She said it marked a "significant milestone" in the "continued cultural growth" of Southampton.
"This development will ensure the theatre remains a world-class venue at the heart of our city for generations to come," she said.
The project also supports Mayflower’s goal of achieving net zero.
The building has been designed for high energy efficiency, including a 95 per cent reduction in heating demand for ballet rehearsals.
It will also include infrastructure for solar panels and air source heat pumps, enabling the future removal of gas-fuelled heating.
Mr Ockwell added: "We believe that being able to offer all this on-site, and much more, will help secure the future of Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios as leading UK performance venues for many years to come."
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