Plane-sailing for art centre after facelift
THE Mitch could help kick-start the regeneration of its corner of the city centre.
That's the view of new chief executive Ian Hutchinson, who has been in the post since April, after 10 years at the Plymouth Arts Centre.
Formerly run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the centre is now managed by a trust chaired by historian and Sentinel columnist Fred Hughes.
Before its reopening in September, it was closed for more than two years and its refurbishment has created a glass-fronted cafe extension, inspired by the design of Reginald Mitchell's Spitfire.
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And as well as an upgraded auditorium, dressing rooms and workshop, the centre now boasts a dance studio and meeting rooms, while the adjoining Cartwright House is now home to youth organisation Unity.
It's this diversity that Mr Hutchinson believes will be key to the centre's future sustainability.
He said: "That was part of the reason behind changing the name – people know us as the Mitchell Memorial Theatre, it's an important part of our identity and obviously the theatre is still a hugely important part of what we do.
"When it was run by the council it was generally shut to the public unless an event was taking place. Now the plan is to be open all the time.
"It's a phenomenal building that needs to be used. It has a great resonance once it's filled up with people."
There is free wi-fi throughout the building and the cafe, which should be fully open later this month.
Even its cups, made by Middleport tableware manufacturer Steelite, feature a tiny Spitfire logo.
Mr Hutchinson said: "We're keen to work with companies on things like corporate social responsibility or providing facilities that maybe small businesses haven't got.
"Long-term sustainability is the real goal for us, and for the centre to be full and used. We want it to be a resource for many."
He is currently the only full-time employee, with everyone else working on a freelance basis. But they will embark on a recruitment process in the autumn.
Mr Hutchinson is excited by the opportunities in the city.
"Here in Stoke-on-Trent we've now got things like the British Ceramics Biennial which is fantastic for the region, and Stoke Your Fires, which we're going to be involved in next year," he said.
"When I first arrived I got the impression that lots of good things are happening in Stoke-on-Trent and that it's on a kind of tipping point."
For more information about The Mitch's new facilities, call 01782 409 307.
Is your firm supporting regeneration initiatives? Email is at businessdesk@thesentinel.co.uk
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