Council urged to 'listen and keep our theatre' ahead of demonstration
Campaigners claim there's still time to save a historic Devon theatre space, despite plans already being agreed.
Teignbridge Council wants to change the Alexandra site in Newton Abbot - which is used as a theatre for a few weeks a year - under plans to transform the market square and food hall.
The proposal would leave a 'shared' theatre space, which campaigners say will result in fewer big productions being staged in the town - as a result of things like the current fly tower no longer being operational.
Campaigner Claire Holden is behind this Saturday's demonstration
Teignbridge Council has already voted to accept the £9.2 million Future High Streets Funding from the Government to pay for the regeneration
Claire Holden from the Save the Alexandra group is staging a protest this Saturday to urge council leaders to revisit the scheme.
A petition to the council can be found here
In response a spokesperson for Teignbridge Council said: "Under the plans which have gained government support through the Future High Street Fund and been approved by the council, there are no plans for the Alexandra Cinema to be retained as a separate building.
“The council cannot look at one part of the regeneration plans in isolation, because they form a comprehensive package of interlinking transformational works which re-establish the historic landmark building back to its original form as the focal point for the Markets Quarter, establish a new purpose built cinema and improve Queen Street and cycle routes in the town.
Teignbridge Council leader Alan Connett spoke to us previously about the redevelopment plans
“Our focus is on implementing the regeneration project and we will engage with key stakeholders such as the Town Council, local businesses and market traders, local arts and performance groups on the detailed design of the approved plans.”
Our previous report about the theatre and its future
For more about the campaign to keep the theatre click here