New theatre for Yate?

At the recent consultation display about the Sea Stores housing development, Yate Town Council unveiled their vision for the public part of the site - a three-storey theatre and arts venue. It would include a 300-seater theatre, performance rooms, an exhibition space, bar and restaurant. If the project goes ahead it could be open by 2013. It would cost £2.5 million - largely funded by developers, who have to contribute towards community facilities as a condition of getting planning permission. Nevertheless £1 million will have to be raised to make the scheme a reality.

The new venue aims to respond to demand from members of local amateur dramatic societies, community groups and audiences. For example, Yate 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. It is such a job booking places and there really is nothing around".

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 Chris Willmore. "There is no other venue like this around."

Read more about the theatre project in the Gazette article here.