NEWS

Key hand over for Philip Astley Visitor Centre

The Philip Astley Centre

A world first as keys are handed over for the completed Philip Astley Visitor Centre.

Philip Astley Projects CIC have been working hard to turn a dream into a reality, the opening of a visitor centre focussed on Philip Astley – the Military Hero, Original Ringmaster and Creator of the Modern Circus, located on Merrial Street in his birthplace of Newcastle under Lyme.

The Philip Astley Centre was an unused and unusable shop that needed a complete internal fit out to make it useable it now is a vibrant space that will bring more life to the area. It will provide access for the public to learn the story of Philip Astley and also the development of his worldwide legacy of the circus, in shows, art, literature and music.

The plan is for workshops in circus skills and allied arts to be made available on site with visiting exhibitions, film shows and talks.

Andrew Van Buren says “already we have interest from people around the world wanting to visit the town, to learn about Astley and see the growing Astley trail. Every additional visitor to the area from wherever has to help our neighbouring business’s and the local economy.

Key Hand Over

A key hand over ceremony was held in the centre, attending (pictured) were Peter Rushton – M2 Construction Contracts Director and Harry Jeffries Site Manager for M2 Construction, Cllr Simon Tagg – Leader of the Council (Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council), Simon McEneny – Deputy Chief Executive (NuLBC), Arthur Barnard – Chair of Philip Astley Projects CIC, Brian Meredith – Regeneration Officer, Project Manager for the Centre (NuLBC), Andrew Van Buren – Director of Philip Astley Projects CIC, Martin Hamilton – Chief Executive (NuLBC), and Deepshikha Prasad – Philip Astley Projects CIC.