New art centre with 250-seat theatre to open at Surrey college
The Orpheus Centre is a charity and college which supports young disabled adults aged 18-25
The Orpheus Centre in Godstone, Surrey, has been given planning permission to expand its facilities with a new Arts Centre aimed at enhancing student experience and accessibility.
The Orpheus Centre is a charity and college which supports young disabled adults aged 18-25 to learn essential life skills, gain formal qualifications and prepare for future employment.
At the moment the Orpheus centre serves 66 young adults
This development marks a significant milestone for the charity as it strives to establish an inclusive Arts Centre featuring a 250-seat theatre, a café, and a state-of-the-art sensory room, along with modern teaching spaces.
The expansion will increase the centre's capacity by nearly 50% to meet growing demands and address complex student needs.
Construction of the new Arts Centre is anticipated to start in 2028/29, contingent on successful fundraising efforts.
Andrew Willetts, CEO of Orpheus, praised the initiative: "There's a magic at Orpheus you won't find anywhere else – it comes from what happens when young disabled adults are truly seen, believed in and given the space to shine.
This new Arts Centre will support our ambition to become a National Centre of Excellence and will allow that magic to happen for many more students."
The Orpheus Centre is found a short distance from the M25, within an area of Green Belt on North Park Lane.