TWICE the expected number of people have visited Chester’s new theatre, cinema and library complex since its launch, it has emerged.
Statistics show 285,000 people have used Storyhouse in the past five months, surpassing all expectations.
Bosses had hoped for 350,000 in the first year – but if the facility maintains its popularity the end-of-year total will be a breathtaking 684,000.
As it stands an average of 57,000 people a month are visiting Storyhouse to use the library, cafe, bar, community studio, cinema and theatre.
City of Chester MP Chris Matheson was one of the first to congratulate those behind the project, which some experts say could be worth £16 million a year to the city’s economy.
He told the Standard: "What these figures show is that when people in Chester put their mind to it, they can create something that everyone wants to be part of.
"Not only have the council and Storyhouse built something our city can be proud of, but together all of us are contributing to something unique and exciting that our country can be proud.
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