We still believe the theatre space can be saved, say campaigners
A meeting will take place later between campaigners trying to save a Newton Abbot theatre space and Teignbridge Council
Campaigners trying to save the theatre space in Newton Abbot's Alexandra Cinema hope they will be listened to later at what they call a crunch meeting.
The meeting - with a number of different groups - follows the appointment of a specialist cultural consultant to drive forward the multi-million pound regeneration of Newton Abbot town centre.
The Government’s Future High Street fund has awarded the town £9 million and last year Teignbridge councillors voted that 'historic landmark buildings will be restored to echo their original identity by opening up the market and food hall'.
Most of the year the Alexandra operates as a cinema, but it become a theatre space for three weeks a year.
Campaigners worry that plans to turn the current theatre space into a multi-use community space will see the fly tower removed and prevent multi-day and larger scale productions being staged there.
Actor and campaigner Charles Bowdidge said: "The town needs a theatre. It's the heart of the town.
"The children that come and see the panto aren't just the children that are in the audience, they're also children that then grow up to be on stage like myself.
"I grew up coming to see pantomimes every single year with my parents and I wanted to do was be on stage.
"I am fortunate enough that I live in a town where that is a possibility and that is something that I want to give to future generations."
Richard Ward, chairman of Newton Abbot and district musical and comedy society, said: "We feel that with the support of Teignbridge District Council that we could make this place into a community entertainment hub.
"We have submitted to them a business plan and a design for the interior of this building which won't destroy the stage and orchestra pit and fly tower which are all vital parts of any working theatre."
Ahead of today's meeting, a spokesperson for Teignbridge District Council said: “As part of our ongoing engagement, we are holding several  meetings this month with groups of traders, tenants, arts and cultural organisations to discuss the detailed implementation of our plans for the delivery of a modern, mixed-use leisure, dining and shopping destination.
"Fotat is one of a number of groups joining tomorrow’s meeting which will be attended by our specialist consultants.
"Organisations also have an opportunity to outline what they would like to see via a survey."
In a recent statement, the council also said: "Event and festival director Emma Twamley, who masterminded and directs the award winning Glas-Denbury Music and Arts festival, will bring her cultural knowledge and experience to help drive the delivery of the project’s cultural, artistic and community aspects of the markets quarter vision.
"She will work alongside council officers and leading independent consultancy Quarterbridge which has Europe-wide expertise in delivering retail and food hall projects and has successfully delivered market hall schemes across the UK.
"In helping to ensure the multi-purpose venue has the flexibility to accommodate different types of cultural performance, Ms Twamley will help the council to deliver its goal of building on the 800 year history of Newton Abbot as a market town by appealing to a wider range of audiences and establishing facilities which will appeal to residents and visitors.
"National reports published last year by The Arts Council and KPMG highlighted the importance of mixed use and the role arts and culture play as key drivers in regenerating town centres by boosting footfall and economic activity."