A SHOWPIECE plan to build a £30m theatre and performing arts centre in Crewe has been unveiled.
University chiefs at MMU Cheshire plan to flatten old halls of residence on the Crewe campus and create a plush centre for contemporary art.
It is part of a masterplan which will see the MMU’s Alsager campus close by 2010 and Crewe’s student population double to more than 12,000.
Still on the cards is a controversial plan to close Crewe’s 1937-built Flag Lane baths and build an Olympic-sized pool at the MMU, in a joint venture with Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.
MMU spokesman Gareth Hollyman said: “The theatre and performing arts centre would be another significant step toward the construction of our 21st Century campus and our vision of academic excellence.
“We are not talking stand-up comedians and panto, but a centre for high-brow theatre studies and performances.
“We are not looking to rival the Lyceum Theatre at Crewe but provide a modern version of the contemporary arts theatre at our Alsager campus.
The plan to close the Alsager campus and centralise the university’s operation in Crewe was mooted years ago.
It started to take shape in 2003 when the Manchester Metropolitan University Crewe campus changed its name to the MMU Cheshire.
Alsager’s contemporary arts students will switch to the Crewe site in the spring. Sports students will remain longer to make use of the open spaces.