Birchvale Players was formed in 1981 and has promoted interest and participation in theatrical activities including organising a regular programme of films and performances since then. They have operated from a wartime horsa hut in the grounds of the Primary School. In 2017 the committee commissioned a structural report on their existing theatre premises, which returned worrying results. The building is no longer fit for purpose and would require extensive and costly repairs.
They are now looking at taking ownership of St Peters School which has now been declared surplus to requirements by Dumfries & Galloway Council. The aim is to move the theatre to a new home there along with some anchor tenants.
Creetown Initiative has been asked to carry out a community consultation to ascertain community support and to create a business plan and cashflow forecast to support an application to the Council for asset transfer. Creetown Initiative has been working with ARPL Architects who are creating an options survey and plans.
