PLANS to convert part of the former Forum Shopping Centre in Chester into a rehearsal and activity space for drama groups have been lodged.

Storyhouse is seeking permission to set up facilities in the former Boots chemists at the Forum entrance in a two-floor space.

An application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning portal says the intended use for the space would be "rehearsal rooms for drama groups, professional acting companies alongside some facilities to accommodate this eg meeting room, prop making and painting space, costume and wardrobe making as well as a staff kitchen."

The rehearsals and group activities would include drama and spoken word, music (choirs and acoustic instruments) and dance.

Groups who would use the space would include ‘Young Storyhouse’ youth groups for drama workshops, as well as rehearsal for Storyhouse professional productions.

Entry to the space would be controlled, and there would not be access to members of the public.

The maximum occupancy for the first floor would be 50 persons and maximum occupancy for ground floor would be 100 persons.

Applicants say the ground floor is accessible for wheelchair users and has kitchen and accessible toilet facilities, and the site would be operated by UK Storyhouse Ltd as additional space for their existing building on Hunter Street.

The hours of operation would predominantly be 9am-9pm, up to seven days a week.

The plans follow a proposed move by Barclays bank from its present Chester Cathedral wing site to the Forum.