A PREVIOUSLY empty rehearsal space in the Top of The Town is now looking to become the cultural hub of Basingstoke.

The Market Chambers building, above the Haymarket Theatre in Church Street, has been transformed by a group of volunteers into a vibrant space for artists, dancers and performers to use.

Throughout the summer months Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society Next Generation (BATS Next Gen) has been hosting summer workshops, giving youngsters the opportunity to practice Shakespeare, West End musicals and learn skills which will help them in real life auditions.

BATS Next Gen is just one of the local amateur dramatics groups, along with dance academies, which use the newly founded Market Chambers Performers Together space.

Founding member of Market Chambers Performers Together, Hannah Williams, told The Gazette: “Every piece of furniture and artwork you see has been donated, and the rehearsal space was all prepared by volunteers.

“What is so fantastic is that the space in the assembly room is the same dimensions as the stage in the Haymarket, so people will already be used to the size of the stage.

“We have had some great support in getting things together, especially from Cllr John Izett who allowed us to use this space.”

The space, which used to be the home of the Horseshoe Theatre Company, had been left empty since 2012, but now is looking to become a thriving artistic home for the town.

The different rehearsal spaces are available to hire out to different organisations and is being overseen by a steering committee.

Committee member and BATS Next Gen tutor Jo Fee added: “The children absolutely love coming here and it gives them more security that they know they are coming here for classes.

“The kids I have seen come through and rehearse here take so much pride in it.

“We just want to see it full of life and activity at all times and welcome any form of arts to come and enjoy this incredible space.”

In one of its rehearsal spaces Market Chambers has a donation wall, where people who donate have their name placed on a brick, currently the committee is trying to raise £1,000 to go into further maintenance of the building.

For more information or to book call Jill Brannam on 01256 462 463 or Hannah Williams on 01256 322529.