UK-based Helm Architecture has been appointed to design the £19m Shakespeare North theatre and education centre in Prescott, Knowsley.

Helm Architecture will join Austin-Smith: Lord to design the playhouse.

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Shakespeare North's chairperson Peter Scott was quoted by The Guardian as saying: “Our vision to have a playhouse in Prescot began 12 years ago and we are delighted at the support and interest we have received in turning this vision into a reality.

"Our vision to have a playhouse in Prescot began 12 years ago and we are delighted at the support and interest we have received."

“These key appointments will help us to recreate a Shakespearean theatre in Knowsley, which was once home to the only freestanding purpose-built Elizabethan era theatre outside of London.”

The design of the Shakespeare North playhouse will draw inspiration from designs created by Inigo Jones in 1629. It will be designed to accommodate an audience of 350 people and will feature a college and education centre for students to learn the life and works of William Shakespeare.

The Shakespeare North Trust was granted planning permission in April and construction is expected to begin in November 2017, reported Liverpoolecho.