ONE of York’s historic buildings is finally set to become a theatre base which will give young acting talent an extra chance to shine.

York Theatre Royal is looking to expand its operation into the nearby De Grey Rooms following the departure of tourism body Visit York to new premises, with the aim being to use the Grade II-listed site as a home for school and youth theatre workshops.

A decision on the proposals was expected to be made last month, only to be delayed after members of City of York Council’s west and city centre area planning sub-committee decided to wait until after they had paid the St Leonard’s Place site, owned by York Conservation Trust, an extra visit to assess the extent of the planned alterations.

But the scheme has now been recommended for approval when the committee meets again next week, after English Heritage, which was also consulted about the proposals, said it felt the idea of opening up the first floor of the De Grey Rooms to wider use would have “significant public benefit”.

The theatre has already used the building as a tenant to stage workshops in recent years, and has said it now wants to expand this.

“The building has been under-occupied for some time and the management of the York Theatre Royal has a long-held aspiration to increase its space and facilities,” said a report which will go before the meeting.

“It is intended to accommodate schools groups within theatre workshops. The premises would also create further space for a costume-making workshop, costume storage and costume hire, following relocation from premises in Walmgate.

“The proposal to make the building more accessible for all members of the public by providing a level access to the basement and improved internal access will enhance the building for the proposed and future users.”

Officers also said the outward appearance of the building would not change under the scheme, although some new signs might be installed, and added the move would increase the De Grey Rooms’ status as a “heritage asset” for York.