First chief executive of new arts centre set to open in Worcester in 2026 'honoured' by role
Dr Hannah Phillips has become the first official chief executive and artistic director of Scala which is due to open next autumn in the city
The chief executive of Worcester's new arts centre - which is set to open next year - has described being given the position as a 'proud' moment.
Dr Hannah Phillips will also be the artistic director for Scala which has announced this week it has become a registered charity.
The move will see the new organisation work in partnership with Worcester City Council to develop and deliver the venue.
Construction to transform the Scala - a historic former cinema - was started in January by Malvern-based company Speller Metcalfe.
Bosses confirmed earlier this year the multi-million project is “currently on track” to be completed for when it's due to open in the autumn of 2026.
Phillips says she's "really excited" about becoming the first person in Scala's history to hold the roles and can't wait to officially open the doors to it.
"It feels a real honour, I feel very proud," she said.
"This (project) is very much about future thinking as well, how do we create an art centre that's fit for purpose for now, but also for the future.
So we're really thinking about young people, emerging artists, we're going to run ground breaking artist development programmes, it's about retaining talent here in Worcester."
The project sees the renovation of the building in Angel Place, which opened as a cinema in 1922 before closing in June 1973, turned into a new arts venue.
Once opened, the venue is set to host live performance events alongside independent film, visual arts, and a wide range of participation-based creative activities.