Curtains raised on theatre plans

8:20am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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THE curtains have been raised on efforts to build a multi-million pound, three-storey theatre and arts venue in Yate.

The multiplex of performance rooms, a large 300-seater theatre-in-the-round, exhibition venue, bar and restaurant is planned at the former Sea Stores site in Kennedy Way.

The project, being spearheaded by Yate Town Council, would cost £2.5million and could be open by 2013.

"It would be a landmark building," said Cllr Chris Willmore. "It is really aspirational for us and for the town."

The theatre would be funded predominantly by housing developers who are building new homes in the town.

Cllr Willmore said deals were being struck with a number of firms, who have to contribute to community facilities as part of planning agreements with South Gloucestershire Council.

The companies involved include Taylor Wimpey, which owns the former Royal Navy site, and is planning to erect 250 flats, houses and apartments there.

The firm has agreed that land at the front of the site, on the junction with Link Road, be earmarked for community use.

Philip Court, technical manager for Almondsbury-based Taylor Wimpey, said discussions had taken place with Yate Town Council.

"The point has been reached in those discussions where it is considered appropriate to seek the views of local residents on the emerging master plan," he said.

"So as to ensure that their views can be taken into account before the site layout is finalised and made the subject of a planning application."

Cllr Willmore added: "There will not be a new building there tomorrow but it is about staking a claim and doing the work now to ask for money."

Cllr Willmore estimated that the public would need to help raise £100,000 to make the new theatre a reality.

The new venue is said to be in response to demand from members of local amateur dramatic societies, community groups and audiences.

Town councillor and member of the University of the Third Age Sue Walker said there was a real need for a new theatre and meeting place in Yate.

"The U3A has 450 members and 26 different groups and we have nowhere to meet at the moment," she said.

"It is such a job booking places and there really is nothing around.

"There are even groups in Thornbury who would be interested in using this."

Those behind the project hope it will result in Yate staging leading dramatic productions and hosting prestigious arts events.

"The town centre needs somewhere for people to go in the evening and there is nothing for people aged between 30 and 60," said Cllr Willmore.

"There is no other venue like this around."