The state government has awarded $101,150 to Maitland Repertory Theatre to build a new space for drama classes and rehearsals as part of the Club Grants initiative.

Liberal candidate for Maitland Steve Thomson announced the funding, which would not depend on the state election results, to theatre president Robert Comber yesterday.

Mr Comber said the grant was a surprise.

“To get such an amount is fantastic,” he said.

“It means we can complete the building.”

The building will include access for people with disabilities, a kitchenette and toilet facilities as well as storage space.

Treasurer Terry Allen said facilities for the arts gave people a chance to participate in community activities outside sport.

“Not all kids are sport inclined,” he said.

“I think it gives the kids a wonderful way of expressing their talents other than expressing themselves through sport.”

Mr Thomson said the grant was a well deserved piece of funding for a wonderful organisation.

“The rehearsal space will mean that the Maitland Repertory Theatre can increase its use for productions and the rehearsal space can be used for theatre training courses as well as for local events,” he said.

“The Maitland Repertory Theatre project will be an outstanding asset for the Maitland community and will ensure Maitland Repertory Theatre is equipped to train and entertain for generations to come.”

Theatre committee member Helen Hopcroft said creative arts provided a powerful source of urban renewal.

“At the moment we’ve got the renewal in the Levee, which is wonderful,” she said.

“There is a lot of international research that says if you bring artists and designers and creative spaces into struggling regional areas the economy gets a huge benefit.

“So it’s not just cultural, it’s not just social, we’re actually economic in terms of impact as well.”