A raft of weddings, school trips and corporate events will soon come to the London Wetland Centre as its theatre is converted into a new ‘multi-functional’ venue.

The theatre at the Barnes tourist attraction was opened in 2000 as a part of the visitor centre, but has now been scrapped in favour of an events venue.

 Barnes-based firm Fuse Design and Build, who designed and built the venue, said the aim was to attract school groups and other visitors all year round to the Wetland Centre, which already welcomes 200,000 visitors each year.

The ‘eco-chic’ space will, according to Fuse, also feature a full cinema system for ‘screenings and presentations’ at corporate days and school visits.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Interior view

The centre will be opened at the end of July, and will also host the Barnes Film Festival, Fuse said.

The Wetland Centre’s manager, David Green, said the project – completed in conjunction with Thames Water – was part of the mission to expand what the centre offers.

He said: “We look forward to revealing a fantastic new venue that will compliment the natural surroundings and augment our values and efforts in conserving and appreciating the environment around us.”

Fuse Design and Build will also sponsor this year’s Barnes Fair, on Saturday, July 9, where it will man the Pimm’s Tent.