North Lanarkshire Council and the Cumbernauld Theatre Trust have unveiled plans to create a new 400-seat performance venue in the town.

The new facility is expected to cost around £4m and would replace the current Cumbernauld Theatre building. It would also be located within the new Cumbernauld Academy building to allow classes such as drama and dance to have access during the school day.

Cumbernauld Academy was created following the merger of Cumbernauld High School and Abronhill High School which will take place in August this year. Plans for a new school building on the site of the current Cumbernauld High School are currently being developed.


Councillor Jim Logue, Convener of Learning and Leisure Services, said: "This exciting development will give the people of Cumbernauld a facility of national significance and go a long way to matching the group's ambitions.

"By sharing the site with the new Cumbernauld Academy, the development also makes financial as well as common sense as costs will be lower as factors such as ground works, car parking, plant rooms and heating systems don't need to be duplicated.

"This development, focussing on the arts and drama coupled with the exciting sporting developments to be part of the new Greenfaulds High School, will bring considerable benefits to the communities in and around Cumbernauld."

Funding for the building will be covered by North Lanarkshire Council's Schools and Centres 21 budget and Cumbernauld Theatre will make funding applications to Creative Scotland to assist with the fitting out of the new theatre.

(JP/CD)