Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Cash pledge over plans for theatre’s new look
ACOUNCIL has pledged that its planned update of a theatre will be subject to “rigorous financial checks” and will not lead to taxpayers’ money being lost.
South Somerset District Council has voted in principle to embark on a £23 million upgrade of the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, increasing its capacity in a bid to attract “bigger and better shows”.
The decision was criticised by the Somerset Independents group, who compared the project to the Southampton arts centre “disaster” from 2018.
The council says it will be carrying out strict checks every step of the way, and will be sourcing as much external funding for the project as possible.
The council wishes to spend £23 million on increasing the theatre’s capacity from 622 to 900. It also want to add a “fly tower” to the stage - a pulley and rigging system that helps performers ‘fly’ across the space.
The project involves the creation of cinema spaces and studios, as well as upgrades to the cafe, bar and restaurant areas.
The council believes changes will allow the theatre to compete with the likes of the Bristol Hippodrome and the Theatre Royal in Bath, attracting larger shows and more prominent touring performers.
Andrew Pope, from the Somerset Independents group, said: “This report asks you to underwrite £23 million that money will have to be raided from other budgets if you do not raise the funds.
“That’s exactly what happened with the arts complex in Southampton. It was a project that was going nowhere, the council stepped in, underwrote the project, and then the taxpayer ended up footing the bill.”
The arts complex, known officially as Studio 144, opened in February 2018 after a series of lengthy delays.
Southampton City Council had originally estimated that the project would cost £13 million but an audit report showed the actual cost could end up being about £34 million.
South Somerset District Council said there was “no correlation” between the Southampton arts centre and its ambitions for the Octagon, because the former was a new venue rather than the upgrade of an existing facility.
A finalised financial plan will be presented to the district executive committee later in the year, after which there will be a public consultation on the proposals.
The planning and construction period is expected to be about three years.