York’s Castle car park will host Europe’s first pop-up Shakespeare Theatre next year after plans were approved by the council’s Conservative-led Executive.
The innovative 12 sided theatre is the world’s first full-scale temporary working replica of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre which will host an estimated 100,000 theatregoers between May and December 2018.
The council has successfully negotiated a package with Lunchbox Theatricals which includes provisions for educational opportunities for city schoolchildren, a space for showcasing local food and drink and compensation to cover the temporary loss of parking spaces.
It’s additionally estimated that the theatre will bring an estimated £7 million into the local economy.
Acomb Cllr. Keith Myers the Conservative’s Culture, Leisure & Tourism spokesperson said:
“It’s a major achievement for the city to be able to attract another high-profile cultural attraction in York in its own right, but we are determined to continue our plans to rejuvenate the Castle Gateway area of York, and the theatre will give a major boost to unlocking the potential of this part of the city. It was a smash hit when erected overseas and I’m certain it will get a fantastic reception here in York.”