Town councillors have unanimously supported an application from Kenilworth School for £140,000 to help "transform" the hall at the new Glasshouse Lane site into a "versatile event space for the benefit of all".

The application, which was the latest in a string of requests from the school, will allow it to buy a new sound system, curtains, lighting rig and lights for the new hall.

And with Kenilworth Town Council expecting to receive more community infrastructure levy (CIL) money from its district colleagues, the funding could rise to £184,500 if the new council (following the May elections) approves the extra spend.

Speaking at the most recent KTC meeting, Cllr John Dearing said: "I read this application with a lot of interest and it seemed to be a very coherent application in the sense it is for a packet of items that will provide a major benefit to the school and for the wider community. 

"I was really impressed with it and I haven't always been impressed with the applications from the school, but this one I thought was very good."

The funding will help provide equipment for the new school hall (image by James Smith)

Cllr Michael Coker added: "I am very pleased to hear the support that it has received. 

"As you know I am very keen that we should support the school. It will after all benefit everybody, including all the children in this town between the ages of 10 and 17 for many years. 

"I don't think there is another project that will have that sort of benefit which will be available to everybody."

The funding from the council is the largest single grant it has made to one organisation through its CIL fund. Other beneficiaries include the Talisman Theatre which has received substantial financial support for its renovation project.

The application from Kenilworth School said if the rest of the funding was approved, it would mostly be spent on a new stage.

The new school is on track to welcome students from September 2023, and is expected to provide a lot of facilities for the wider community.

"The project will promote Kenilworth as both a business and tourist destination by enabling the hall to be used for conferences – meetings – guest speaking events as well as a variety of productions – theatre – music – dance – fashion shows etc," the application to KTC said. 

"With the added benefit of the newly installed bleacher seating as well as being able to accommodate additional seating on the flat for orchestra or singers. 

"The hall will not only have a draw within the local community but encourage towns further afield to benefit thus supporting businesses such as hospitality and leisure."