First look at plans for the new Halstead Community Arts Centre.

Halstead Town’s Empire Theatre is in for an extension to transform it into a vibrant, welcoming, accessible space for the whole community. Offering new multi use meeting spaces, modern performer’s  rehearsal/changing spaces and, above all, making the whole site fully accessible. 

A feature most supported by the community is the provision of a bright, welcoming cafe/bar social space which is incorporated in the new entrance – leaving the current entrance to be converted into an exhibition/meeting space.

Jim Bond, Chair of the Arts Centre development group said:

“The architect design has produced a truly accessible space that is open to the community visually as well as physically and, importantly, retains the illuminated Empire sign as a visible link to the existing building. We will shortly be consulting with potential users of the new facility about their views on the design.  If all goes to plan with fundraising it is hoped that the construction will start in March 2028!

The centre will become a cultural community hub for both Halstead and the surrounding villages fulfilling a long held vision of having a community centre the town can be proud of.

We are still looking for volunteers to help with fundraising, graphic design/publicity and social media creation – if you have time to spare or want to know more, contact us at;  HalsteadCommunityCentre@halsteadtowncouncil.gov.uk or phone 01787 476480

Halstead Community Arts Centre Project Accelerates: Architects Appointed, Funding Applications Underway, and New Charity Formation in Progress

The team behind the Halstead Community Arts Centre — an ambitious extension of the successful Empire Theatre — is pleased to announce several major steps forward in the development of this landmark project for the town and its surrounding villages.

Specialist architects have now been appointed to lead the next stage of design work, marking a significant milestone in bringing this long‑awaited community facility to life. Alongside this, the newly formed Halstead Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is currently awaiting registration with the Charity Commission, establishing the formal structure needed to deliver and sustain the project.

The new centre will provide creative studios, flexible community rooms, youth spaces, wellbeing activities, and a welcoming café/bar, offering all communities access to high‑quality cultural and social opportunities close to home. The project aligns strongly with Arts Council England’s Let’s Create strategy (2020–2030), supporting creative people, cultural communities, and ensuring town and rural areas have access to inspiring cultural spaces.

A Vision for Halstead and Its Villages

Chair‑designate Jim Bond said:

“This is Halstead’s long‑awaited opportunity to realise the ambition of having a community centre in the heart of the town. This centre will combine all the best that the arts can provide, along with spaces for the community to use for both formal and informal activities.”

Funding Applications and Support Needed

The project team is now preparing a series of grant applications to regional and national funders to support the next phase of development. To strengthen this effort, the team is calling on Parish Councils, community groups, and local residents to help raise awareness, build momentum, and support fundraising initiatives.

Call for Volunteers

As the project grows, the Halstead CIO is seeking talented and enthusiastic individuals to join the team and help drive the project forward.

Roles may include:

• Community engagement
• Fundraising and events
• Communications and publicity
• Governance and project support

If you’re passionate about helping shape Halstead’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact: townclerk@halsteadtowncouncil.org.uk / 01787476480

A Shared Community Effort

“We’re asking our local parishes and residents to join us in bringing this vision to life,” added Bond. “Together, we can create a space where creativity, community and connection can thrive for generations to come.”

For more information or to get involved, please contact: townclerk@halsteadtowncouncil.org.uk

Survey

The survey has now closed!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete it and let us know your thoughts on the proposals.

The results will now be analysed and passed on to the Town Councillors in readiness for their meeting on Monday 8th September at 19:15 at the Queen’s Hall. Public are welcome to attend if you’d like to see what’s going on and hear the discussions.

Halstead Summer Fayre

Come and see the concept art being displayed in the Public Gardens during the Halstead Sumer Fayre.  There will be paper copies of the questionnaire available if you prefer that to the online one.

Cllr Bond will be on hand to take your questions, queries and concerns and report directly back to the Town Council. Fingers crossed for a warm sunny day.

Survey

Please take a moment to complete the survey; https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HTCCAC so that councillors can see how our residents feel about the proposal and what they expect from this type of centre.

We’re sure that more questions will be raised regarding the plans, but this is just the start of the project. The survey will be open until the end of August.