Centre opened in October 1973. In the grounds of South Hill Park a plaque records the planting of a tree by William Ewart Gladstone in 1893. By 1980 Alistair Snow developed the visual and live art programme at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell. One of the first Artists in Residence was Elaine Shemilt, from 1980-82. Wilde Theatre and later phases Before being completed in 1984, the 330 seat Wilde Theatre was first proposed after South Hill Park became an arts centre, and has since drawn many people to the area. The Wilde Theatre was officially opened by The Princess Anne on 15 May 1984 which due to the local association with Oscar Wilde was named after him and the first performance being The Importance of Being Earnest. A new Dance Studio and Bar extension, along with additional dressing rooms, rehearsal and storage space, were added to the theatre in 1988 and 1989. The Bracknell Gallery opened in 1991 as a result of these developments, and now presents a regular programme of contemporary visual art, crafts and live art. The art centre also organises exhibitions in the Mansion Space Galleries. South Hill Park Arts Centre today In 2002 South Hill Park underwent its most recent transformation, successfully applying to the Arts Council of England National Lottery Board and gaining £3 million combined with £1 million from Bracknell Forest Borough Council. These funds allowed the Mansion spaces to re-develop and focus on artistic activity. New studios were created for ceramics, printmaking, silversmithing and fine arts to complement the existing theatres, gallery, dance studio, cinema, recital room and cellar stage. The Atrium bar was opened, allowing food and drink to be served alongside the art and music performances. Martin Donlin created several artworks to the celebrate the new building. In 2004, the Digital Media Centre opened, thanks to the support of local businessman, John Nike. In 2011, Bracknell Forest Borough Council undertook a £4.4 million restoration of South Hill Park's historic grounds with funding from a National Lottery grant award. See also List of miscellaneous works by Temple Moore References External links South Hill Park Arts Centre South Hill Park Wilde Theatre Royal Berkshire History: South Hill Park South Hill Park and Cesar's Camp walk and local history Country houses in Berkshire Bracknell Arts centres in England Art museums and galleries in Berkshire Theatres in Berkshire Temple Moore buildings