Telford Theatre demolition to restart ahead of new construction works
Upgraded plans for the new Telford Theatre have been approved and a contractor has been appointed to recommence the remainder of the demolition works and construction of the new theatre.
Bowmer + Kirkland will start site enabling works on Monday 9 November which will involve extending the current hoarding to keep the public safe before demolition of the remaining structure starts.
This will also enable the site to be prepared for ground works needed for construction of the new building.
This multi-million pound project involves the full demolition and replacement of the theatre which was originally built in the 1960s and was suffering from significant structural defects, as well as reaching the end of its building life.
Previously, the demolition of the former Oakengates nursery and auditorium opened up areas of the site that were previously inaccessible, allowing further detailed investigations which have supported the new building design and will make it even better.
Plans now include a new-look entrance foyer and box office, larger community and rehearsal spaces, bigger bar areas and additional toilet facilities.
The theatre rebuild will create 12 full-time jobs, as well as many more part-time roles, and is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors across 300 shows annually.
New facilities which the Telford Theatre project will deliver include a 766 seat main auditorium, a separate studio theatre which can support community groups and smaller acts, a new community art room, as well as a newly transformed foyer, theatre dining area, new bar areas with upgraded amenities and modernised backstage facilities.
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) are currently carrying out works to relocate the substation currently situated at the theatre which has allowed this next stage of works to take place.
Last week, Telford & Wrekin Council finalised the purchase of land adjacent to the Telford Theatre car park in Oakengates which will create in excess of 30 new, free additional parking spaces.
Plans are being submitted to redevelop this area, creating extra parking for theatre goers and visitors and businesses who are based in, or visit, the town centre.
The new spaces will be created once the main theatre building project works are completed and will be free in line with the Council's long term commitment to provide free car parking in Oakengates.
Telford Theatre shows are continuing across the Borough and include a fantastic line-up of live entertainment, with upcoming performances such as The Rise of The Beatles, Patrick Monahan, George and the Drag Queen, Arrival - The Hits of ABBA and many more.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said:
“We are delighted that the upgraded plans for the new theatre have now been approved enabling the remainder of the demolition works to begin, which in turn will pave the way for the new theatre rebuilding project.
"Telford Theatre is an eagerly anticipated project throughout the Oakengates and wider community and it’s one of our biggest investment projects across the Borough.
"This new theatre design, which is even more exciting than the previous plans, will attract visitors from far-and-wide and drive more footfall to Oakengates Town Centre.”
Gary Bradley, Bowmer + Kirkland Regional Director, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Telford & Wrekin Council to deliver this fantastic new theatre.
"It will be a wonderful new venue for the arts and a modern facility for the community.”
You can find out more about the Telford Theatre project here: Telford & Wrekin Council | Telford Theatre