DARLINGTON’S Theatre Hullabaloo has been given the final go-ahead with £1.5million of Arts Council funding.

The major theatrical project has been green-lighted with a funding boost and enthusiastic commitment from Arts Council England.

Darlington’s youngsters will be able to enjoy world-class performances at a purpose-built venue as a result of the £2.9million project.

The Hullaballoon will see an Edwardian fire station adjacent to the town’s Civic Theatre transformed into a child-centred theatre development.

Home to Theatre Hullabaloo, it will include a 150-seat theatre, café and creative play spaces as well as rehearsal and office space for the organisation.

The much-anticipated facility is believed to be the only children’s theatre north of London.

Through the scheme, children will be invited to act as ‘creative collaborators’ to generate ideas around the role of the arts in childhood.

Any performances by Theatre Hullabaloo will be premiered at the venue before being toured nationally.

Miranda Thain, Creative Producer of Theatre Hullabaloo said: “The Hullaballoon will be a flagship theatre for children and young people.

“An inspiring place to play and learn, it will provide huge opportunities for local children and their families and also an attraction for families visiting Darlington.

“The facilities will also be available for the local community to use.

“This has always been a vision led project rooted in Theatre Hullabaloo's belief that creativity should be part of everyone's childhood.

“The Hullaballoon is a wonderful opportunity to realise our dream of a world-class cultural offer for children in the town and we are grateful to Arts Council England and Darlington Borough Council for their belief in the project.”

Set to open in winter 2017, the scheme will represent a partnership between Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington Civic Theatre and Darlington Borough Council, which has committed £800,000 to the project.

Darren Henley, the chief executive of Arts Council England, said: “I was very impressed with the plans for The Hullaballoon when I visited the site and I’m delighted that we are able to help fund its development through our Capital programme.

“We believe that all children and young people should be able to enjoy arts and culture and, as the only children’s theatre North of London, The Hullaballoon will offer local children and families a great opportunity to enjoy performances and activities as well as attract visitors to the town.”