Visit: CentreStage

I was delighted to visit the new premises of CentreStage before I took the train down to Westminster on Monday.

It was amazing to see the transformation of the former Kilmarnock Academy and how it has all come together with the use of the space both inside and out, making it accessible and inclusive to all who enter the building. A café bar, state of the art theatre alongside many other areas that are also being utilised by local community groups was great to see.

I enjoyed speaking to the inspirational Fiona McKenzie (pictured) about her vision for the future and getting an idea of the timeline of how Centrestage has evolved over the last 16 years to this point. I was very impressed with the results of what they have achieved on this project during what can only be described as the most challenging of times over the last two years.

Commenting, Fiona said: “It was a real privilege to be able to be a custodian of this beautiful place for future generations and it’s vital that our values of hope, inclusion and aspiration are never diluted as we move forward.”

I look forward to seeing this excellent facility in the heart of Kilmarnock go from strength to strength. I have now booked my tickets to see Skerryvore there in April!