Dignitaries were on hand to mark the official opening of a fully refurbished performance space at a Lynn school.

Springwood High School’s 300-capacity Peter Hopkins Hall recently underwent a makeover which saw the installation of retractable, tiered theatre seating, while all performance areas were fitted with state-of-the-art LED lighting.

The project cost a total of £218,000, and was funded by a contribution of around £185,000 from West Norfolk Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), along with £20,750 from the Springwood Parents, Teachers, and Friends Association (PTFA).

“The aim was to deliver a world-class facility that would make Springwood one of the largest community spaces in West Norfolk suitable for major amateur and professional productions, by the introduction of retractable seating, plus the provision of energy efficient and cooler lighting,” said Andy Johnson, who is executive head teacher and CEO at the West Norfolk Academies Trust, which Springwood is a member of.

“This has enhanced both the viewing experience and increased capacity. The new seats have transformed the area, making both assemblies and performances so much more enjoyable.

“The new LED lights are more economical to run, and maintain a much cooler environment for all involved, compared to traditional stage lights.”

Besides deputy West Norfolk mayor Steve Bradshaw and deputy mayoress Marisol Bearshaw, the opening ceremony was attended by Cllr Jo Rust, trustee Cllr Paul Bland, chair of trustees Roger Livesey, and members of the Springwood PTFA, as well as WNAT staff and parents.

Students from Springwood performed at the event, alongside pupils from fellow trust schools Gaywood Primary and Heacham Junior.

“The event was really about a thank you from the trust, with some lovely entertainment from our schools,” added Mr Johnson.

“I said a formal thank you to West Norfolk Council and the Springwood PTFA for funding the new tiered seating and the LED stage lighting.

“I also thanked the site team for all that they do, and finally the staff across all schools who organise our outstanding performances.”