Plans for Tynedale creative hub on course

Posted by The Journal on Feb 3, 10 10:17 AM in News

Plans to create a ÃÂ£3.5m centre of creativity for young people in Northumberland have come a step closer.

Designs for the Tynedale Creative and Media Skills Centre - next to Prudhoe Community High School - have gone on public display.

The centre will house state-of-the-art media production facilities in a leading edge building shared across the Tynedale Virtual College - a partnership of the four high schools in the area along with Northumberland College, Dilston College and Hexham Priory School.

It is part of a successful ÃÂ£4.6m bid to the Government for exemplar diploma facilities, which also includes a satellite residential skills centre at Ridley Hall near Haydon Bridge.

It is expected that work will start on the new centre in the spring, subject to planning permission, with the building being operational by June 2011. Along with the Ridley Hall centre, it is aimed at offering world class facilities for a wide variety of performances, productions and screenings.

Discussions are now underway with some of the leading organisations and venues across the region about developing new partnerships.

Dr Iain Shaw, headteacher at Prudhoe High, said the scheme was already inspiring students and staff.

"The industry standard facilities will help us deliver the new Creative and Media Diploma, but also enhance many other courses. It will also be possible for students from first and middle schools to make TV and radio programmes, and see their own work in a cinema-style setting. The possibilities are endless, and we would welcome input from anyone in the community.''

To see the plans contact Prudhoe High. Images of the suggestions can also be viewed online at www.medianetnorth.com

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