A MULTI-PURPOSE arts, drama and music complex has been created at an empty Baptist church and Sunday school in the heart of a Kent town.

The exterior of the listed Victorian building in Ramsgate has remained largely unchanged and some of the period features inside, including the organ pipes, pulpit, ceiling roses and fabulous stained-glass windows, have been included within the design.

Developer D.J. Ellis is being encouraged to enter the work into a competition for exceptional architectural conversions.

The centre is part of Clarendon House grammar school but will also be used by community groups and other primary and secondary schools.

Media studies and theatre studies have been growing rapidly in popularity at Clarendon and the new space includes a 430-seater hall for school productions and community performances.

It also houses more space for performances and exhibitions and a separate drama studio.

One of the suites is to be named after the late Rev Harcourt Samuel, a former Baptist minister and chair of governors at Clarendon House.

The school’s previous drama studio was named in memory of Year 11 student Terese Field, an exceptional dance and drama pupil who died suddenly. Her memorial is included in the new centre.

Flats

Students moved in at the start of this term and the official opening is planned for spring.

The school’s former site for drama, arts and music, the old courthouse in Cavendish Street, will be redeveloped as flats, with money from the sale going towards the new education centre.

Kent Council County also put £600,000 into the conversion project.

Head teacher Jane Bennett said: "It is a lovely old building that has been empty since it closed more than 10 years ago.

"Everybody involved in the project had a desire to help retain historic buildings in Ramsgate.

"The fire that destroyed the beautiful Victorian library next to our school was a devastating loss to the fabric of the town. We cannot afford to lose any more of our heritage."