PEOPLE are being asked to share their memories of Burnley Mechanics as part of a £10,000 project.

The Heritage Lottery Fund money will be used over the next six months for the ‘Transforming the Heritage of Burnley Mechanics’ scheme.

The project will also share the history of the Grade II-listed building with workshops and events.

People are also invited to send in their photos and stories of the theatre from the past.

All the memories will be collected and use to help document the building’s history for a heritage report.

They will also feature on the theatre’s walls and within the building.

The project will also involve specialists working at the Manchester Road theatre and conducting a condition survey.

This survey will explore the theatre’s options for potential future conservation work.

Helen Jones, head of cultural services at Burnley Leisure, said the project, which is due to start this month, showed the theatre was heading towards an exciting stage of its history.

She said: “Burnley Mechanics has always been at the centre of the community, providing space for creative projects, events and entertainment to people of all ages.

“We are now looking for new ways of how we could utilise this historic building even better and the project will help inform us of options available in the future.”

Designed by architect James Green of Todmorden, Burnley Mechanics opened its doors in 1855.

It aimed to provide better education and skills for the rapidly expanding workforce to meet the needs of a changing society during the industrial revolution.

People used the centre to enjoy classes in arts, science and technology and it became the focus of the town’s cultural activity.

It closed in 1959 but was bought by Burnley Council and reopened as an entertainment venue.

Cllr Bea Foster, executive member for Leisure and Culture on Burnley Council, said it was great to build upon what is going on at the theatre.

She said: “It will be great to see all the old photos and memories and bring together what the theatre used to be like with its present form.

“The theatre is a wonderful part of town. It provides a lot of creative entertainment that many people have experienced over the years.

“I’m excited to see what the project brings.”