The Marlowe Theatre is restoring and reinterpreting the building’s unique historic spaces, from the Great Hall to the 13th-century St Mary’s Chapel.
Part of the site will be transformed into The Hive – a major new creative learning centre and permanent hub for children and young people. It has been designed in collaboration with young people and will provide dedicated studio and breakout spaces that support creativity, participation, wellbeing and belonging. Through creative programmes and activities, it will help them connect with heritage and develop new skills.
Once reopened, the Poor Priests’ Hospital will offer a welcoming public space with a riverside café, heritage events and creative activity. A series of commissioned artworks, performance and interpretation will bring the heritage to life for visitors.
The project shows how theatre can play a central role in regenerating a city, connecting young people with heritage and giving historic buildings a new future through creativity.
Deborah Shaw, Chief Executive of the Marlowe Theatre, said: “The Poor Priests’ Hospital is one of Canterbury’s most remarkable historic buildings, and we’re excited to bring it back to life through theatre, storytelling, commissioned artworks and immersive and sensory interpretation that will help new visitors connect with its past. At the same time, The Hive will give thousands more young people access to creativity, skills and a place to belong.”
If you’re interested in running a project that meaningfully engages children and young people, read our good practice guidance to find out how.
