A NEW stage will take centre stage this weekend as Woodley town centre celebrates its new look.
Part of a £340,000 project to revamp the busy Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct, a party will be held on Saturday to officially launch a new-look to the northern end of the town centre.
Replacing the old pagoda, the covered stage will be a new performance area suitable for performances as well as being able to host community groups for fundraising events and sales.
Also installed is a special pirates map which has been painted onto the ground, offering imaginative youngsters the chance to set sail for their own adventure.
The new facilities will be formally launched on Saturday with a day of celebration.
At 11am, there will be a performance by Reading Spring Gardens Band. Then, from 1pm, there will be a visit from the morris side Shinfield Shambles.
At the same time, youngsters can meet a minion and enjoy some balloon modelling.
The formal opening will take place at 1.30pm by the mayor of Woodley.
After the short ceremony, swing/jazz band The Hipcats will be give an energetic performance on the stage.
Woodley Town Centre manager Jacques Lherbier is excited about the new space.
He said: “It’s a very nice addition to the town centre and it will open up the north end – you can see all the shops now. Hopefully, over time, it will generate new business for this end, the improvements make it a really nice place.
And Mr Lherbier feels that the town centre is a compelling place for people to come shopping, something borne out by having just two empty shops.
“Woodley as a shopping centre is doing pretty well. It’s got a great offer for the residents, we have all you need for a small town and with plenty of cafes, you can enjoy a leisurely chat with a friend.
“There is sufficient variety for a day in Woodley. With parking facilities and easy access, we’re a good place to come and shops for all your needs.”
Saturday’s show might be the official opening, but the bands are not the first to perform on the new stage.
Mr Lherbier explained: “Waltham St Lawrence Brass Band inaugurated the stage and they were brilliant.”
Saturday’s performances are just the first of many big events that the precinct will host in the months ahead. Over the May bank holiday, there will be a special day for children with special activities and events to enjoy.
“We will use the stage for a circus workshop and there will be live animals and stalls,” Mr Lherbier said.
The event runs from 11am to 3pm on May bank holiday Monday.
For more details, log on to www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk
