A recording studio’s expansion will see a new 150 seat venue opened for live gigs. 

Skelmersdale’s Westgate Studios is expanding into additional premises next door.  It already features The Engine Room, which has a recording and rehearsal facilities, a cafe and an art exhibition area.

The enterprise was set up using a Lancashire County Council Rosebud Finance loan last year. and now the Conservative-run Council's business fund has provided a further cash injection enabling the expansion.  The business has extended into premises next to the studio, providing extra space for tuition as well as the 150 capacity area for live performances.

Lancashire County Councillor Carolyn Evans visited the centre and said she was “excited” that a business was “bucking the trend” by expanding in the current economic climate.  She said: “The expansion of the business means that another five jobs will be created to add to the nine jobs already there. This is excellent news.”  County Councillor Evans has made a small grant to the organisation too.

Adrian Owens, Conservative General election candidate said, "I visited the Engine Rooms with Mark Perks the cabinet member for young people in August.  The organisation does such good work with budding musicians, I'm delighted that it is expanding and providing a much needed venue for this part of Skelmersdale."

11th December 2009